Origin: 1250–1300; Middle English feithful. See faith, -ful Related formsfaith·ful·ly, adverb
faith·ful·ness, noun
o·ver·faith·ful, adjective
o·ver·faith·ful·ly, adverb
o·ver·faith·ful·ness, noun
EXPANDpseu·do·faith·ful, adjective
pseu·do·faith·ful·ly, adverb
qua·si-faith·ful, adjective
qua·si-faith·ful·ly, adverb
COLLAPSESynonyms
1, 3. true, devoted, staunch. 3. Faithful, constant, loyal imply qualities of stability, dependability, and devotion. Faithful implies long-continued and steadfast fidelity to whatever one is bound to by a pledge, duty, or obligation: a faithful friend. Constant suggests firmness and steadfastness in attachment: a constant affection. Loyal implies unswerving allegiance to a person, organization, cause, or idea: loyal to one's associates, one's country. 5. precise, exact.