fīdēlis
The English word 'loyal' can be translated into Latin as fīdēlis. Wiktionary also lists fīdus.
Meaning: firm in allegiance to a person or institution (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| fīdēlis |
| fīdus |
The adjective is used to describe someone or something that is firm in allegiance to a person or institution.
What does it mean word for word?
The word fīdēlis is derived from fīdus, which relates to the concept of trust or faith, meaning 'trustworthy' or 'faithful'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter form of the adjective is fīdum.
Did you know?
- The English word 'diffident', meaning shy or lacking confidence, comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'away' and the root fīd- from fīdus.
- In Roman legal and social contexts, a person's fīdēs (the noun form of the root) was considered one of their most valuable assets, almost like a form of currency.
- While fīdēlis means loyal, the Latin word pius describes a different kind of loyalty based on duty to one's family, ancestors and the state.
Examples in context
- Canis meus est semper fidus.My dog is always loyal.
- Canis fīdēlis est domino.The dog is loyal to its master.
- Fēmīna fīdēlis est patri.The woman is loyal to her father.
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus discuss a trusted companion.
- JuliaEstne Marcus amīcus fīdēlis?Is Marcus a loyal friend?
- QuintusIta, Marcus est semper fīdēlis.Yes, Marcus is always loyal.
- JuliaGaudeō quod eum habēmus.I am glad that we have him.
- QuintusSērvēmus amīcitiam eius.Let us preserve his friendship.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “loyal” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
