Loyalty
ˈlɔɪəlti
Definitions
The state of being loyal; faithfulness or allegiance.
ˈlɔɪəlti
Faithfulness or devotion to a person, cause, or idea.
His loyalty to the company was unwavering.
💡 Simply: Loyalty is like having a best friend who always sticks by you, no matter what. It means being true to someone or something, like a team or a country, even when things get tough. For example, your dog shows you loyalty by always being happy to see you!
👶 For kids: Being a good friend, always sticking up for them and helping them out!
More Examples
The dog's loyalty to its owner is legendary.
She questioned his loyalty after he changed his stance on the issue.
How It's Used
"Citizens are expected to show loyalty to their country."
"She demonstrated her loyalty to her friends during a difficult time."
"The company values employee loyalty and offers incentives for long-term service."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Oath of loyalty
A formal promise to be faithful to a person, organization, or country.
"Soldiers take an oath of loyalty to their nation."
Unwavering loyalty
Loyalty that is consistent and never changes.
"His unwavering loyalty to his friends was admirable."
From Old French *loialté*, from *loial* ('loyal'), from Latin *legalis* ('legal, lawful'). The term developed through feudal systems, emphasizing allegiance to a lord or sovereign.
The concept of loyalty has been central to political and social structures throughout history, particularly in feudal societies where allegiance to a lord was paramount.
Memory tip
Think of a royal family; their courtiers show loyalty to them.
Word Origin
"lawfulness, lawful"