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fidelity

fih-DEL-uh-tee /fɪˈdel.ə.ti/

nounC1GRESATGMATIELTS

formal

Faithfulness to a person, cause, belief, or duty; or exact accuracy and truthfulness.

Encompasses both moral loyalty (marital fidelity, political loyalty) and technical precision (high-fidelity audio).

The story behind the word. From Latin 'fidelitas', derived from 'fidelis' (faithful), stemming from 'fides' (trust, belief). In classical times, 'fides' was both a personified goddess and the core legal principle holding contracts and treaties together.

Word relationships

allegiance: 'Allegiance' usually applies to political obligations to a government or leader, while 'fidelity' covers personal and moral loyalty.
loyalty: 'Loyalty' is broader and informal, whereas 'fidelity' carries a sense of formal pledge or exacting precision.

infidelity: Unfaithfulness to a spouse or cause.
treachery: Betrayal of trust or deceptive disloyalty.

Commonly confused with

infidelity: 'Infidelity' is the direct antonym, meaning unfaithfulness or adultery.

Word family

infidelity (noun): The action or state of being unfaithful.

Collocations

marital fidelity
sworn fidelity
high fidelity
fidelity to principles

Example sentences

"The officer pledged her fidelity to the constitution and the rule of law." Professional oath
"The new recording equipment reproduces orchestral sound with stunning fidelity." Audio technology

Memory hook

Fido the dog is famous for his unconditional 'fidelity' (loyalty) to his master. Unwavering loyalty and exact truth.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'fealty', which specifically implies medieval feudal allegiance to a lord.

Fun facts

The audio acronym 'Wi-Fi' was playfully coined as a spin on 'Hi-Fi' (High Fidelity), though Wi-Fi technically stands for wireless network protocol!