Dictionary
1faithful
adjective faith·ful \ˈfāth-fəl\
: having or showing true and constant support or loyalty
: deserving trust : keeping your promises or doing what you are supposed to do
: not having sex with someone who is not your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend
Full 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
See faithful defined for English-language learners
See faithful defined for kids
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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
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
FAITHFULLY Defined for Kids
faithful
adjective faith·ful \ˈfāth-fəl\
Definition of FAITHFUL for Kids
1
: firm in devotion or support <a faithful friend>
2
: reliable <a faithful worker>
3
: true to the facts : accurate <The model was a faithful copy of my grandfather's car.>
— faith·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
— faith·ful·ness noun
Synonym Discussion of FAITHFUL
faithful, loyal, and true mean firm in devotion to something. faithful is used of someone who has a firm and constant devotion to something to which he or she is united by or as if by a promise or pledge. <Always be faithful to your duty.> loyal is used of someone who firmly refuses to desert or betray someone or something. <Most volunteers are loyal to their country.> true is used of a person who is personally devoted to someone or something. <She was a true friend who would help in time of need.>
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