# fidelity

/ˌfaɪˈdɛɫəti/ (US) · /fɪdˈɛlɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fidelity
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. loyalty to a person

noun · CEFR B2

being loyal and faithful to a husband, wife, or partner.

For teachers: faithfulness to a spouse or romantic partner, specifically regarding sexual or emotional exclusivity.

- They promised lifelong fidelity to each other during their wedding ceremony.
- The novel explores the complexities of marital fidelity in an era where social expectations were rapidly shifting.

### 2. loyalty to duty

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the quality of being loyal to your duties, a country, or a set of beliefs.

For teachers: strict adherence to one's promises, duties, or allegiances.

- The officer was awarded a medal for his long fidelity to the crown.
- His unwavering fidelity to the principles of the revolution made him a respected, if somewhat rigid, leader.

### 3. accuracy of reproduction

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

how accurately a sound or image is copied or played back.

For teachers: the degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced, particularly in audio or visual technology.

- The new speakers offer incredible fidelity, making it feel like the band is in the room.
- The digital restoration of the film achieved a level of fidelity that revealed details previously lost in the grainy original print.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'high fidelity' or 'hi-fi'.

### 4. religious faithfulness

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

staying true to your religious beliefs or to God.

For teachers: faithfulness to a deity or a specific religious doctrine.

- The monks lived a life of quiet fidelity to their ancient traditions.
- The historical text emphasizes the martyr's fidelity to his faith even in the face of extreme persecution.

## Examples

- Her fidelity to the project kept the team motivated.
- The translator's fidelity to the original text preserved the author's unique voice.
- In an era of shifting alliances, his unwavering fidelity to the founding principles of the organization stood out as a rare and stabilizing force.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.