Infallibly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word originates from the Latin 'infallibilis,' where 'in-' means 'not' and 'fallibilis' means 'able to fail.'
• It entered the English language in the late 15th century, primarily to describe things believed to be error-proof.

Religion

• In certain religious contexts, particularly in Catholicism, the term refers to the belief that the Pope is incapable of making mistakes when proclaiming doctrines of faith.
• The concept is significant in discussions of divine authority, highlighting the tension between faith and reason.

Philosophy

• Philosophers like Karl Popper argued against infallibility in scientific theories, asserting that all theories should be subject to testing and potential falsification.
• The debate about human certainty versus fallibility raises questions about knowledge and belief systems.

Psychology

• The idea of infallibility can lead to dangerous cognitive biases, as individuals or groups may dismiss evidence that contradicts their beliefs.
• This illusion of being infallible can result in overconfidence, affecting decision-making processes.

Pop Culture

• In popular media, characters that are portrayed as infallible often undergo crises that challenge their perceived perfection, leading to growth and discovery.
• The concept is frequently used in stories about heroes or leaders, where their flaws are revealed to highlight their humanity.

Positioned at #22,433, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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