Allegiance: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to formal or solemn loyalty or duty owed to a country, ruler, or cause. It often carries a connotation of a legal or solemn obligation.

• He swore his allegiance to the new king.
• The soldiers pledged their allegiance to the country.

Use when referring to a strong feeling of support or allegiance, typically in relationships, both personal and professional. It is a more general term for dedication and steadfastness.

• Her loyalty to her friends is unwavering.
• Brand loyalty is crucial for businesses.

Use when emphasizing the quality of being true and constant in support or allegiance to someone or something. This word is often used in personal relationships or in contexts involving trust.

• Their faithfulness to each other lasted a lifetime.
• The dog's faithfulness to its owner was touching.

Use when referring to a promise or firm decision to do something, or the state of being dedicated to a cause or activity. It often implies a sense of obligation and responsibility.

• Her commitment to her job is admirable.
• He made a commitment to support the charity every year.

This word is often used in formal or legal settings to describe a commitment or duty to a country, organization, or leader.

• He swore allegiance to the king.
• The soldiers pledged their allegiance to the nation.

Used to describe a strong feeling of support or allegiance, typically in personal relationships or to companies and brands.

• Her loyalty to her friends is admirable.
• He showed loyalty to his favorite brand by always buying their products.

This word describes following orders or rules, often used in contexts where authority and discipline are emphasized.

• The dog's obedience to its owner was impressive.
• The soldiers are expected to show obedience to their commanding officer.

Used to describe the love and devotion to one's own country. It often has a positive connotation of pride and support for the nation.

• Her patriotism was evident when she joined the army.
• The national anthem stirred deep feelings of patriotism among the crowd.

Used in formal or legal contexts to express a person's commitment or loyalty to a country, leader, cause, or organization.

• He swore his allegiance to the new government.
• Citizens are required to pledge allegiance to the flag.

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe a strong feeling of support or allegiance to a person, group, or cause. It is less formal than 'allegiance' and 'fealty.'

• Her loyalty to her friends is admirable.
• The employees showed great loyalty to the company during tough times.

Typically used in historical contexts or literature to describe a vassal's sworn loyalty to a lord or monarch, emphasizing a formal and sworn commitment.

• The knight pledged his fealty to the king.
• In the medieval era, tenants owed fealty to their lords.

Used to describe a duty or commitment, often implying a sense of being bound to perform certain actions out of a moral or legal necessity rather than personal choice. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

• He felt an obligation to help his family.
• Students have an obligation to complete their assignments on time.