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

obsolete : full of faith

: steadfast in affection or allegiance : loyal

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

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

: 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

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

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

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

First Known Use of FAITHFUL

circa 1533

FAITHFULNESS Defined for Kids

faithful

adjective faith·ful \ˈfāth-fəl\

Definition of FAITHFUL for Kids

: firm in devotion or support <a faithful friend>

: reliable <a faithful worker>

: 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.>