Definition

1. Noun:
   • A very hard, granular, igneous rock: A common type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock which is granular and phaneritic in texture. It primarily consists of quartz, mica, and feldspar.
   • Unyielding firmness or endurance: Used figuratively to describe a person's character or resolve that is extremely firm, steadfast, and resistant to change or pressure.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Rock):
  • The ancient monument was carved from solid granite.
  • Granite is often used for kitchen countertops because of its durability.
• Noun (Figurative - Firmness):
  • She faced the criticism with a heart of granite. In this context, 'granite' describes her emotional strength.

Advanced Usage

• "a man/woman of granite": A person who is extremely strong-willed, determined, and emotionally tough.
  • The legendary coach was a man of granite, never showing doubt even in the toughest games.
• "granite-like": Having the qualities of granite, especially hardness or firmness.
  • His granite-like determination saw him through the crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Granitic (adj): Resembling granite in hardness or texture.
  • The granitic cliffs were impossible to climb.
• Granitoid (adj): Having the appearance or composition similar to granite.

Synonyms

• For the rock: stone, igneous rock, plutonic rock.
• For firmness: steadfastness, resolve, fortitude, toughness, inflexibility.

Related Idioms

• "To have a heart of granite": To be unfeeling, cold, or very tough emotionally.
  • The villain in the story had a heart of granite.
• "As hard as granite": Extremely hard or firm.
  • After years of manual labor, his hands were as hard as granite.

Noun

1. something having the quality of granite (unyielding firmness)
   • a man of granite
2. plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz