loyal

loy-al · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person, institution, or cause.

  2. 2.

    Faithful to one's sovereign, government, or country.

  3. 3.

    Showing faithfulness to commitments, vows, or obligations.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    loyal to a fault — excessively faithful, sometimes to one's own detriment
  • •
    loyal opposition — a political party that opposes the government but remains committed to the constitutional system
  • •
    loyal customer/client — a customer who consistently returns to the same business

Related words

Antonyms: disloyal, fickle, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful
See also: allegiance, devoted, faithful, loyalty
Synonyms: constant, dedicated, devoted, faithful, steadfast, true

Etymology

From Old French loial, leial (loyal, legal), from Latin legalis (legal), from lex, legis (law). The word entered English in the 16th century. Originally meant "faithful in allegiance to the sovereign" and later expanded to general faithfulness.