Disloyal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
disloyal
[dษชsหlษษชษl ]
Definition
in relationships
Not loyal or faithful to someone or something; showing a lack of trust or commitment.
Synonyms
duplicitous, faithless, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disloyal |
Used when someone is not loyal, especially in relationships or commitments. It can refer to personal, professional, or patriotic contexts.
|
| unfaithful |
Typically used in romantic or marital contexts to describe someone who has been untrustworthy or has cheated.
|
| treacherous |
Applies to someone or something that is dangerous or deceptive, often intentionally betraying trust. It can also describe hazardous conditions.
|
| traitorous |
Used to describe someone who betrays their country, cause, or group. It has a strong emotional and negative connotation.
|
| faithless |
Refers to a lack of loyalty, trust, or belief, particularly in the context of relationships or fidelity. It has a somewhat old-fashioned tone.
|
| duplicitous |
Describes someone who is deceitful or two-faced, often hiding their true intentions or feelings.
|
Examples of usage
- She felt betrayed by his disloyal behavior.
- The disloyal employee leaked confidential information to competitors.
- His disloyal actions led to the downfall of the company.
- I can't trust someone who is consistently disloyal.
- The disloyal friend spread rumors behind her back.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Disloyalty can trigger feelings of betrayal, which are deeply rooted in human psychology and can impact relationships significantly.
- Research shows that trust is the foundation of relationships, and its breach can lead to anxiety and a reluctance to trust again.
Literature
- In Shakespeareโs works, themes of betrayal and disloyalty are prevalent, illustrating the emotional turmoil caused by these actions.
- Famous literary characters often exhibit disloyalty, such as Iago in 'Othello,' highlighting dramatic consequences.
Pop Culture
- Songs often explore themes of disloyalty, like 'Backstabber' by Kesha, showcasing the emotional aftereffects of betrayal.
- Popular TV shows like 'Game of Thrones' frequently depict disloyalty among characters, leading to dramatic twists and turns.
History
- Throughout history, disloyalty has been a treacherous act, often seen in political betrayals and wars, leading to significant conflicts.
- Notable figures like Benedict Arnold are infamous for their disloyalty in history, marking their names with shame for centuries.
Origin of 'disloyal'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not,' combined with 'loyal,' which has roots in the Old French 'loial' and Latin 'legalis', meaning 'lawful' or 'true'.
- First recorded use in English dates back to the late 14th century, initially describing a breach of feudal loyalty.
The word 'disloyal' originated from the Old French word 'desloial,' which meant 'not loyal.' The prefix 'dis-' implies negation, while 'loyal' comes from the Latin 'legalis,' meaning 'of or pertaining to the law.' Over time, the term evolved to describe someone who is not faithful or trustworthy in their commitments.
See also: disloyally, disloyalty, loyalist, loyally, loyalty, unloyally.