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

Black cherry preserves and blueberry muffins beckon to the drinker, balanced by lots of acidity and earthy notes of slate and granite with sage leaf and a firm structure to give it lift and precision. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Blocks of alabaster, limestone, granite and marble lie about in the brown grass. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

There are copious cabinets (some with easy pull-out drawers or glass fronts), stainless appliances, a tile backsplash, double sinks and granite counters. —Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 17 Nov. 2024

Head Outdoors to Nearby Natural Wonders Less than two hours from both Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg is centrally situated in the Texas Hill Country with easy access to hiking at Enchanted Rock (the country’s largest pink granite monadnock) and floating down the Pedernales River. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 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)