Infallible: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

infallible

 

[ ɪnˈfæl.ə.bəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

certainty, reliability

The term 'infallible' refers to something that is incapable of making mistakes or being wrong. It is often used to describe a person, idea, or doctrine that is deemed perfect or flawless in its judgment or action. Infallibility can also imply that a certain belief or principle is universally accepted as true without exception. This word is frequently employed in both religious and secular contexts to emphasize the unassailable nature of truths or authority. Many consider the concept of infallibility to be a hallmark of ultimate reliability.

Synonyms

certain, flawless, irrefutable, perfect, unerring

Examples of usage

  • The infallible guide provided accurate information.
  • She believed in the infallible nature of the evidence.
  • His infallible logic convinced everyone.
  • The doctrine claims that the Pope is infallible in matters of faith.
  • Infallible systems are often highly valued in engineering.

Translations

Translations of the word "infallible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infallível

🇮🇳 अचूक

🇩🇪 unfehlbar

🇮🇩 tak tergoyahkan

🇺🇦 непомильний

🇵🇱 nieomylny

🇯🇵 間違いのない

🇫🇷 infaillible

🇪🇸 infallible

🇹🇷 hata yapmayan

🇰🇷 틀림없는

🇸🇦 مُعَصَّم

🇨🇿 neomylný

🇸🇰 neomylný

🇨🇳 无误的

🇸🇮 neomajen

🇮🇸 óhjákvæmur

🇰🇿 қателеспейтін

🇬🇪 არაზრი

🇦🇿 səhvsiz

🇲🇽 infallible

Word origin

The word 'infallible' comes from the Latin 'infallibilis', which means 'unfailing' or 'incapable of error.' The root 'fallere' translates to 'to deceive' or 'to fail,' and the prefix 'in-' denotes negation. It first entered the English language in the early 15th century, often in religious texts referring to the catholicos's infallibility in matters of doctrine. Over the centuries, the term has extended beyond religious frameworks, finding applications in philosophy, science, and everyday language, typically implying absolute certainty and reliability. Its evolution reflects a cultural desire for definitive answers in various fields of knowledge.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,499, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.