fides
[ˈfɪ.deːs]
In Latin, the phrase for 'trust' is expressed by the word fides.
The word fides can represent the abstract quality of faithfulness, trustworthiness or reliance. To express the specific feeling of confidence or reliance placed in someone or something, the related form fīdūcia is often used. Other ways to express related concepts include habere fiduciam (to have trust) and plena confidentia (full trust).
Meaning: to be confident (verb)
Which one should you use?
While fides often refers to the abstract quality of faithfulness or trustworthiness, fīdūcia is used for the specific feeling of confidence or reliance placed in someone or something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on its role in a sentence. Use the accusative form fīdem if the word is a direct object, such as in the phrase 'to have trust'. Use the genitive form fīdei to indicate possession or a relationship, such as 'of trust'.
Did you know?
- The English word 'bead' (as in prayer beads) shares a distant linguistic ancestor with fides through the Proto-Indo-European root of 'commanding' or 'binding'.
- In legal Latin, the phrase bona fides means 'good faith'. It describes a sincere intention to be fair, and it remains a standard term in international law today.
- The word fīdūcia is the ancestor of the English word 'fiduciary', which describes a legal relationship of trust, such as that of a financial advisor.
Examples in context
- Nullum donum pretiosius quam fides.No gift is more precious than trust.Tatoeba #5031106 by alexmarcelo, translation #1646972 by dimitris
- Inde, ubi prima fides pelago, placataque venti / dant maria, et lenis crepitans vocat auster in altum, / deducunt socii naves et litora complent. / Provehimur portu, terræque urbesque recedunt.Soon as our ships can trust the deep once more, / and South-winds chide, and Ocean smiles serene, / we crowd the beach, and launch, and town and shore / fade from our view.This passage uses fides in a poetic context describing ships being able to trust the deep.Tatoeba #6946509 by carlosalberto, translation #6946882 by carlosalberto
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia discuss a secret plan.
- GaiusTene hoc secretum, Iulia.Keep this secret, Julia.
- JuliaIn me fides tua sit.Let your trust be in me.
- GaiusCredo tibi.I believe you.
- JuliaGratias tibi ago, Gai.Thank you, Gaius.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fides, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fides, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
