Disloyally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disloyally

[dɪsˈlɔɪəli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a disloyal manner

In a way that shows a lack of loyalty or faithfulness.

Synonyms

faithlessly, traitorously, treacherously, unfaithfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disloyally	Used when someone acts against or betrays their allegiance or loyalty, especially in a minor or less severe manner. He spoke disloyally about his team behind their backs
treacherously	Describes actions that betray trust in a deceitful and dangerously deceptive way. Often used for severe acts of betrayal. He treacherously revealed her plans to their competitors
faithlessly	Typically used to describe someone who lacks commitment or loyalty, often in a religious or moral sense, but also in relationships. She acted faithlessly, breaking every promise she made
traitorously	Used in situations involving serious betrayal, often of a country or a cause. This word carries a strong sense of being a traitor. The general was condemned for acting traitorously by sharing secrets with the enemy
unfaithfully	Commonly used to describe infidelity in romantic relationships, but can also apply to breaking trust in other commitments. She found out that her husband had been acting unfaithfully for years

Examples of usage

He acted disloyally towards his colleagues by leaking confidential information.
She was accused of behaving disloyally to her best friend.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a way that goes against loyalty

Acting in a manner that goes against the principles of loyalty.

Synonyms

faithlessly, treacherously, unloyally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disloyally	When someone acts against trust or commitment, often in relationships or workplaces. It implies betrayal of trust. She disloyally shared the company's secrets with competitors. He behaved disloyally by speaking ill of his friend behind his back.
unloyally	Indicates a lack of loyalty or commitment, often in a relationship or to a cause. It suggests that someone might betray or abandon someone else. He acted unloyally by not supporting his friend's side in the argument. The soldier unloyally abandoned his post during a critical moment.
faithlessly	When someone breaks faith or trust, usually in personal relationships, making them seem unreliable and untrustworthy. He left her faithlessly after years of promising they would be together forever. She acted faithlessly, lying about her intentions and never following through.
treacherously	When someone behaves in a deceitful or untrustworthy way, often suggesting a hidden agenda. It can be used in political or dramatic contexts. The general treacherously plotted against the king.

Examples of usage

The soldier was punished for disloyally abandoning his post.
The employee was fired for disloyally sharing company secrets.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research indicates that betrayal can significantly impact relationships, leading to feelings of mistrust and anxiety.
Disloyalty in friendships can result in a phenomenon called social rejection, which may affect one's self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Studies show that betrayal by a close friend can trigger complex emotional responses, including anger, sadness, and confusion.

Literature

Disloyalty is a recurring theme in many classic novels, often leading to dramatic conflicts and character development.
Shakespeare often explored themes of betrayal, with characters like Iago in 'Othello' showcasing disloyally and its consequences.
In modern literature, disloyalty is frequently depicted in stories about friendship, family dynamics, and societal expectations.

Pop Culture

Movies often portray betrayal, highlighting characters who act disloyally, leading to major plot twists, like in 'Star Wars' with Anakin Skywalker.
Songs about heartbreak and betrayal frequently touch upon themes of disloyalty, resonating with audiences who have experienced similar feelings.
Popular TV shows, such as 'Game of Thrones,' explore the harsh realities of disloyalty, where loyalty and betrayal determine survival.

History

In various historical contexts, acts of disloyalty have been punishable by law, highlighting the value placed on loyalty among communities.
During wartime, individuals labeled as disloyal often faced severe consequences, such as ostracism or worse, suggesting loyalty's importance to national identity.
The notion of treason has evolved, with historical figures seen as disloyal being re-evaluated, showing that context changes perceptions of loyalty.

Origin of 'disloyally'

Main points about word origin

The word 'disloyal' comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'loyal,' derived from the Latin 'legalis' meaning 'legal or lawful.'
'Loyal' in English comes from the Old French 'loial,' which also relates to keeping promises and being trustworthy.
The transformation of 'loyal' to 'disloyal' and 'disloyally' reflects how language evolves to express oppositional concepts.

The word 'disloyally' is derived from the combination of 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'loyally' meaning 'faithful and devoted'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of loyalty has been valued in various cultures throughout history, and the opposite, disloyalty, has been seen as a betrayal of trust and allegiance.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,526, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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