First Known Use: 1531
Dictionary
loyal
adjective loy·al \ˈlȯi(-ə)l\
: having or showing complete and constant support for someone or something
Full Definition of LOYAL
1
: unswerving in allegiance: as a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government b : faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due c : faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product
2
: showing loyalty
See loyal defined for English-language learners
See loyal defined for kids
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Origin of LOYAL
Middle French, from Old French leial, leel, from Latin legalis legal
Related to LOYAL
- Synonyms
- constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, faithful, pious, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true, true-blue
- Antonyms
- disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue
Synonym Discussion of LOYAL
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>.
LOYAL Defined for Kids
loyal
adjective loy·al \ˈlȯi-əl\
Definition of LOYAL for Kids
: having or showing true and constant support for someone or something <loyal fans>
— loy·al·ly adverb
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