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

Later, the coffin was stolen, the alabaster sarcophagus was shattered by looters and the granite sarcophagus—from which the fragment in question originated—was reused by Menkheperre. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2024

In This Article Wildlife and Natural Features Places to Stay Places to Eat Trending Videos Known around the globe for its majestic granite monoliths and overwhelming beauty, Yosemite National Park earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1984. —Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2024

No, but there is a 65-foot black granite swimming pool at the center of the property. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 May 2024

The gourmet kitchen is sleek and modern with granite counters. —David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 20 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)