fidelity

Main Entry:: fi·del·i·ty
Pronunciation:: \fə-ˈde-lə-tē, fī-\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural fi·del·i·ties
Etymology:: Middle English fidelite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French fidelité, from Latin fidelitat-, fidelitas, from fidelis faithful, from fides faith, from fidere to trust — more at bide
Date:: 15th century

1 a: the quality or state of being faithful b: accuracy in details : exactness2: the degree to which an electronic device (as a record player, radio, or television) accurately reproduces its effect (as sound or picture)

synonyms 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>.

Learn more about "fidelity" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "fidelity" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols