Infidelity
/ˌɪnfɪˈdɛlɪti/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe violation of a promise, trust, or duty, especially the breaking of a marriage vow.
/ˌɪnfɪˈdɛlɪti/
The act or state of being unfaithful to a spouse or partner.
The scandal involved political leaders and accusations of infidelity.
💡 Simply: Imagine you promised your best friend you'd always be there for them, but then you started spending time with someone else and ignoring your friend. Infidelity is like breaking a big promise of loyalty in a relationship, often involving secret relationships or actions.
👶 For kids: Being unfaithful means you're not being true to your friend, boyfriend or girlfriend and you're doing something secretly with someone else.
More Examples
Her infidelity led to the breakdown of their relationship.
The consequences of infidelity can be devastating.
How It's Used
"The discovery of his infidelity shattered their marriage."
"The novel explores the themes of love, betrayal, and infidelity."
"Infidelity is often cited as grounds for divorce."
Lack of belief in a religion or the principles of a religion.
/ˌɪnfɪˈdɛlɪti/
Lack of religious belief; disbelief in a particular religion.
The accusations of infidelity led to intense religious persecution.
💡 Simply: Imagine a time when people had very strong beliefs in one particular religion. Infidelity then meant not believing in that religion. It's like not being 'faithful' to the ideas and teachings of that religion.
👶 For kids: Not believing in God or your religion is infidelity.
More Examples
The Enlightenment period was marked by a questioning of religious infidelity.
Infidelity was a serious crime in many societies.
How It's Used
"The rise of scientific thought challenged the prevailing religious infidelity of the time."
"Accusations of infidelity were used to persecute religious figures in some historical periods."
Idioms & expressions
betrayal of trust
An act of violating the confidence someone placed in you.
"His infidelity was seen as a complete betrayal of trust."
to be caught in infidelity
To be discovered or exposed for engaging in an act of unfaithfulness in a relationship.
"He was caught in infidelity after his wife found incriminating messages."
From Late Latin *infidelitas*, meaning 'unfaithfulness', derived from *infidelis* 'unfaithful'.
The term has been used since the late 14th century, primarily in the context of religious disbelief and later in relation to marital unfaithfulness.
Memory tip
Think of 'in' (not) 'fidelity' (faithfulness).
Word Origin
"faithful"