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

Bar and prep sinks also come in rectangular, square, and round shapes, often constructed from stainless steel, granite composite, or copper. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2024

Excavation of the Extended North Tunnel will include carving through solid granite. —Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2024

Though specifics have not been confirmed by the production, some viewers have speculated that the Trefor granite quarry and Dinorwic quarry, both in Gwynedd county, are the particular quarries used. —Christopher A. Daniel, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2024

The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances including a hood, double ovens, a sub-zero refrigerator, a Viking® gas cooktop, a Miele® dishwasher, granite countertops, a farm sink, a tile backsplash with custom accents, backlit cabinetry with pullouts, a coffee station and a warming drawer. —Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 23 June 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)