infidelity
- 01 C2 Proficiency
a failure to be loyal to a promise, a duty, or a set of beliefs.
a breach of trust or a failure to remain loyal to a moral or professional obligation.
Simple“The general was accused of infidelity to the crown.”
In context“The philosopher argued that intellectual infidelity — the betrayal of one's own logic for personal gain — was the greatest vice of the age.”
Antonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
a lack of belief in a particular religion or in God.
the state of having no religious belief or of rejecting a specific faith.
Simple“In the past, people were sometimes punished for their religious infidelity.”
In context“The medieval text contains a lengthy polemic against the perceived infidelity of neighboring tribes who refused to convert.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is rarely used in modern conversation; 'atheism' or 'secularism' is preferred unless discussing historical religious conflicts.
SynonymsAntonymspietydevoutness
“Parton’s lyrics contrast the man’s thin lies about “going on fishing trips” with her suspicion of his infidelities.”
“A pop star writes a song accusing her husband of infidelity.”
From Middle English infidelite, from Middle French infidelité (modern French infidélité) and its etymon Latin īnfidēlitās. Equivalent to infidel + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.