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

Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino questioned his “loyalty to the country” after Sherman initially hesitated about leading a temporary occupation of MacArthur Park in July because it would cause chaos.

From Los Angeles Times

The campaign ads against Bowman and Bush did not center the question of Palestine or Israel’s war, but instead focused on things like the members’ loyalty to Biden’s domestic policy agenda.

From Salon

Whether those with little appetite for Farage remain fragmented in their loyalties or become consolidated behind one party could therefore be crucial in determining Reform's chances of power.

From BBC

“When you build for a community rather than just a school, loyalty and long-term success follow,” Russell said.

From Los Angeles Times

Gregory Bovino, in charge of the immigration efforts in L.A. for the Border Patrol, questioned Sherman’s “loyalty to the country,” Sherman testified, for just showing hesitation about the wisdom and legality of an order.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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