First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
loyalty
noun loy·al·ty \ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē\
: the quality or state of being loyal
: a loyal feeling : a feeling of strong support for someone or something
plural loy·al·ties
Full Definition of LOYALTY
: the quality or state or an instance of being loyal
See loyalty defined for English-language learners
See loyalty defined for kids
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Origin of LOYALTY
alteration of Middle English leawte, lewte, from Anglo-French lealté, leauté, from leal, leial loyal
Related to LOYALTY
- Synonyms
- adhesion, allegiance, attachment, commitment, constancy, dedication, devotedness, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, piety, steadfastness, troth
- Antonyms
- disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, infidelity, perfidiousness, perfidy, treachery, unfaithfulness
Synonym Discussion of LOYALTY
fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty. fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty <marital fidelity>. allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country <pledging allegiance>. fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow <fealty to the truth>. loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray <valued the loyalty of his friends>. devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication <a painter's devotion to her art>. piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental <filial piety>.
Other Government and Politics Terms
LOYALTY Defined for Kids
loyalty
noun loy·al·ty \ˈlȯi-əl-tē\
plural loy·al·ties
Definition of LOYALTY for Kids
: the quality or state of being true and constant in support of someone or something
Synonym Discussion of LOYALTY
loyalty and allegiance mean faithfulness owed by duty or by a pledge or promise. loyalty is used of a very personal or powerful kind of faithfulness. <I felt great loyalty to my teammates.> allegiance is used of a duty to something other than a person, especially to a government or idea. <I pledge allegiance to the flag.>
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