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Unswerving

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(pronounced un-swuhr-ving)  adjective

(Pronunciation note: Contrary to most dictionary pronunciations, I have placed a stress on the first syllable. This is because, as a long-time public speaker and communication analyst, I have found that most words beginning with "un" create maximum impact when it is the "un" that is stressed.)

Definition

1. not swerving or turning away (from a course, principle, criterion, belief, etc.); not veering or changing direction.  2. steady; constant; unwavering.

Main Example

• South Carolina is a bastion of social conservatism. So, during their fierce campaigning in the days leading up to that state's Republican primary, the chief message from Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum to the voters was to the effect "I am the only candidate who has been an unswerving adherent to the social conservative cause."

Workplace Examples

• It is largely due to the unswerving diligence of Cathy's customer service department that our company has acquired such an extraordinary reputation in the industry.
• There is no doubt in my mind that if we follow the course that our CEO outlined in his speech yesterday--if we adhere to it unswervingly--we will start grabbing market share from our rival firms.

Other Examples

• while embarking on a controversial quest, somebody writing to a long-time associate: "It is vital that I get the backing of all of my friends. Naturally, I am counting on you. During the 10-plus years of our association, you have supported me unswervingly despite my many faults and mistakes."
• an unswerving advocate of decentralization within the company; somebody's unswerving loyalty or dedication to a cause
• Ronald Reagan unswerving in his opposition to communism and big government; the National Rifle Association's unswerving allegiance to the Second Amendment which addresses people's right to bear arms; the U.S. Congress's unswerving support for Israel
• Have you visited the patas monkeys at your local zoo? If you have, chances are you've seen one of these primates from western Africa perched at the highest point within their enclosure, gazing unswervingly at the horizon in search of any looming threats.

© 2012 V.J. Singal
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