Vocabulary
Adamant meaning: firm and unwilling to change
Sometimes someone says no once. Sometimes they make it clear that no amount of discussion will change their mind. Adamant describes the second situation.
Use adamant for a person or group that is very firm about a refusal, decision, or belief.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
adamant /ˈæd.ə.mənt/
The short answer
Adamant means very firm about what you think, want, or refuse to do, and not willing to change your mind.
Leila was adamant that she had locked the office door.
Why it works: Leila feels certain, and she will not change her position.
3 more examples
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The tenants were adamant that the building needed repairs.
That introduces the exact position the tenants hold.
Not this:The tenants
were certain thatthe building needed repairs. What changes: Certain focuses on belief. Adamant also suggests that the tenants will resist changing their view. -
Ravi was adamant about paying his share of the bill.
About is followed by the activity that Ravi feels strongly about.
Not this:Ravi was
happy to payhis share of the bill. What changes: Happy to pay shows willingness. Adamant about paying shows a firm position. -
The manager was adamant that no customer data would be shared.
The manager gives a strong assurance and does not leave the decision open.
Not this:The manager
hoped thatno customer data would be shared. What changes: Hoped describes a wish. Adamant describes a fixed decision or belief.
Read the full guide
Use adamant when a person has a strong, fixed position. The word usually follows a form of be, such as is, was, or were.
Start with a fixed position
Use adamant when someone will not change a decision, opinion, or refusal. The word tells the reader that the person feels strongly and is unlikely to be persuaded.
Nora was adamant that she did not need help.
Put adamant after be
Adamant usually comes after a form of be. You can say I am adamant, he was adamant, or they were adamant. It does not usually go before a noun in everyday English.
The committee was adamant about keeping the deadline.
Choose that or about
Use adamant that when you want to state the full idea. Use adamant about before a noun or an activity ending in -ing. A preposition is a short word that connects ideas. Here, about connects adamant to the topic.
I was adamant that we should check the figures first.
I was adamant about checking the figures first.
Say the word in three beats
A syllable is a beat in a word. Adamant has three: AD-uh-munt. Put the strongest beat, called stress, on AD. Keep the other two syllables light.
She was adamant about leaving on time.
Check the strength of the feeling
A colleague prefers tea but agrees to have coffee if there is no tea. Is adamant a good choice?
No. The colleague has a preference, but is willing to change. Adamant needs a much firmer position.
Before you go
Remember this
Use adamant after be for a strong position that will not change. Follow it with that and a clause, or with about and a noun or an -ing form.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
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Try the written questionsQuestions about "Adamant meaning: firm and unwilling to change"
What does adamant mean?
Adamant means very firm about an opinion, decision, or refusal, and unwilling to change your mind.
The tenants were adamant that the building needed repairs.
What is the difference between adamant and certain?
Certain means sure that something is true. Adamant can include certainty, but it also suggests that the person will resist changing their position.
The tenants were certain that the building needed repairs.
Can I say adamant that?
Yes. Use adamant that before a clause that states the person's view or decision, such as She was adamant that she had paid.
Ravi was adamant about paying his share of the bill.
Can I say adamant about?
Yes. Use adamant about before a noun or an -ing form, such as They were adamant about leaving early.
Ravi was happy to pay his share of the bill.
How do you pronounce adamant?
Say AD-uh-munt. The stress is on the first syllable. Use the lesson examples to choose the meaning and sentence pattern that fit your context.
The manager was adamant that no customer data would be shared.
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