granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgra-nət 

1

: a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments

2

: unyielding firmness or endurance

the cold granite of Puritan formalism

—V. L. Parrington

granitelike

ˈgra-nət-ˌlīk 

adjective

granitic

gra-ˈni-tik 

adjective

granitoid

ˈgra-nə-ˌtȯid 

adjective

Synonyms

• decidedness
• decision
• decisiveness
• determination
• determinedness
• firmness
• purposefulness
• resoluteness
• resolution
• resolve
• stick-to-itiveness

Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end

Recent Examples on the Web

In the soaring lobby, polished black granite walls look out on the adjacent 9/11 Memorial. —Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 13 June 2024

The Mediterranean-style home also comes with a wine bar and a kitchen with granite countertops, two dishwashers and an extra-large steam oven. —The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024

Around her neck, a necklace with a speckled granite stone — a stone from the old bathroom countertops of Michigan Central Station. —Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2024

Gales Ferry Intermodal proposes blasting about 40 acres between Route 12 and the Thames for granite production. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, from grano grain, from Latin granum

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgran-ət 

1

: a very hard rock that can be polished and is used in buildings and monuments

2

: unyielding firmness (as of character, will, or opinion)