A Midsummer Night's Dream 2.1.195 Word Nerd: Adamant

The transcript explores the evolution of the word 'adamant' from its origins as a term for a hard stone to its use in Shakespeare's time as a noun referring to a lodestone, a naturally occurring magnet. It explains how Helena in Shakespeare's work uses 'adamant' to describe her attraction to Demetrius, similar to metal's attraction to a magnet. The transcript also covers the modern production of magnets and the historical rarity of lodestones, which were primarily used for navigation. Today, 'adamant' is commonly used as an adjective to describe someone with an unchangeable opinion.

How has the meaning of 'adamant' changed from Shakespeare's time to today?

What does it mean when someone is described as 'adamantly' refusing something?