loyalty

[loi-uhl-tee]

noun

plural

loyalties 

1. the state or quality of being loyal; faithfulness to commitments or obligations.

2. faithful adherence to a sovereign, government, leader, cause, etc.

   Synonyms: constancy, devotion, fealty

3. an example or instance of faithfulness, adherence, or the like.

   a man with fierce loyalties.

loyalty

/ ˈlɔɪəltɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being loyal

2. (often plural) a feeling of allegiance

Other Word Forms

• nonloyalty noun
• overloyalty noun
• unloyalty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of loyalty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English loialte, from Middle French. See loyal, -ty ²

Synonym Study

Loyalty, allegiance, fidelity all imply a sense of duty or of devoted attachment to something or someone. Loyalty connotes sentiment and the feeling of devotion that one holds for one's country, creed, family, friends, etc. Allegiance applies particularly to a citizen's duty to their country, or, by extension, one's obligation to support a party, cause, leader, etc. Fidelity implies unwavering devotion and allegiance to a person, principle, etc

Example Sentences

Bibi has long thought that he essentially controlled and held all the loyalty of the biggest group of pro-Israeli Americans—evangelical Christians.

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The pickup helped Delta’s revenue rise 6% to $16.67 billion in the third quarter from a year earlier, ahead of Wall Street expectations, boosted by premium cabin demand, corporate travel and its loyalty program customers.

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On “Father Figure,” Swift sings about a big shot taking a “protégé” under their wing—and demanding total loyalty in return.

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The Sovann Komar spokesman says six children were transferred to other organizations with the approval of Cambodia’s government after the project’s management determined that their loyalty to Sothea created conflict between the kids.

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“Federal funding for universities should never depend on a loyalty oath,” he said.

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Related Words

• adherence 
• allegiance 
• devotion 
• faith 
• fealty 
• fidelity 
• honesty 
• honor 
• integrity 
• obedience 
• patriotism 
• reliability 
• sincerity 
• support 
• tie 
• trustworthiness