faithful

¹faith·ful

adjective \ˈfāth-fəl\

Definition of FAITHFUL

1

obsolete : full of faith

2

: steadfast in affection or allegiance : loyal

3

: firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : conscientious

4

: given with strong assurance : binding <a faithful promise>

5

: true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original <a faithful copy>

— faith·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— faith·ful·ness noun

Examples of FAITHFUL

1. She has provided the company with many years of faithful service.
2. He insists that he has always been faithful to his wife.

First Known Use of FAITHFUL

14th century

Related to FAITHFUL

Synonyms

constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, loyal, pious, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true, true-blue

Antonyms

disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue

Related Words

dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustworthy, trusty; unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering; determined, intent, resolute; confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate, sworn; ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, gung ho, impassioned, passionate, serious

Near Antonyms

irresponsible, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy; faltering, hesitant, vacillating, wavering; dubious, irresolute, shaky, uncertain; apathetic, dispassionate, uninterested

Synonym Discussion of FAITHFUL

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance. faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted <faithful to her promise>. loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray <remained loyal to the czar>. constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows <constant friends>. staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it <a staunch defender of free speech>. steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction <steadfast in their support>. resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose <a resolute ally>.

²faithful

noun

Definition of FAITHFUL

1

plural in construction

a : church members in full communion and good standing —used with the

b : the body of believers in Islam —used with the

2

plural faithful or faithfuls : one who is faithful; especially : a loyal follower, member, or fan <party faithfuls>

First Known Use of FAITHFUL

circa 1533