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Granite Definition: Hard Rock & Unyielding Resolve (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：hard rock (granite)

granite 🔊

/ˈɡræn.ɪt/

A very hard, gray or pink rock with a spotted pattern. It's often used for kitchen counters and monuments because it's strong and looks nice.

Granite countertop example showing polished gray and black speckled stone texture.

hard rock 🔊

➕

/ˌhɑːrd ˈrɑːk/

Refers to a common, coarse-grained igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica, valued for its hardness and decorative appearance.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'granum' (grain) + '-ite' (mineral suffix), referring to its granular texture.

💡 Mnemonic

Granite is GRANular and might look like it has little grains.

📖 Example

The kitchen's new granite countertops are not only beautiful but also very easy to clean and maintain. 🔊 The recently installed granite surfaces in the kitchen are both aesthetically pleasing and simple to care for.

🔗 Collocations

granite countertop – A kitchen or bathroom work surface made from polished granite.

granite monument – A memorial or statue carved from granite stone.

granite quarry – A place where granite is excavated from the earth.

🔄 Synonyms

basalt (n.) – A dark, fine-grained volcanic rock, also very hard.

marble (n.) – A metamorphic rock known for its veined patterns, often used in sculpture and architecture.

limestone (n.) – A sedimentary rock, typically softer than granite, used in building.

🌱 Derivatives

granitic (adj.) – Resembling or consisting of granite; very hard and unyielding.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'granite' originates from the Latin 'granum,' meaning 'grain,' due to the rock's visibly coarse-grained, crystalline structure. It is the bedrock of continents and has been quarried for millennia for monuments and buildings, symbolizing permanence.

Meaning 2：unyielding resolve (granite)

granite 🔊

/ˈɡræn.ɪt/

(Used figuratively) To describe someone's attitude or determination as being extremely firm and unchangeable, just like the hard rock.

Figurative granite meaning shown by a determined fist on a solid stone surface.

unyielding resolve 🔊

➕

/ʌnˈjiːldɪŋ rɪˈzɑːlv/

Used figuratively to describe an extremely firm, steadfast, and unchangeable attitude or determination.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Despite all the criticism, she faced the challenges with a heart of granite, never doubting her goals. 🔊 Even when confronted with extensive disapproval, she approached the obstacles with unwavering determination, remaining confident in her aims.

🔗 Collocations

will of granite – An exceptionally strong and unbreakable determination.

granite-like determination – Resolve that is as hard and unyielding as granite rock.

granite resolve – A firm and steadfast decision or purpose.

🔄 Synonyms

resolve (n.) – Firm determination to do something.

fortitude (n.) – Courage and strength of mind in facing pain or adversity.

steadfastness (n.) – The quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

🚫 Antonyms

wavering (adj.) – Moving from one opinion, decision, or state to another; not resolute.

indecisiveness (n.) – The inability to make decisions quickly and effectively.