Infallibly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infallibly

[ɪnˈfæləbli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

certainty, reliability

Infallibly means in a manner that is incapable of making mistakes or being wrong. It is often used to describe actions or processes that guarantee a positive outcome without fail.

Synonyms

certainly, faultlessly, invariably, unerringly.

Examples of usage

  • She infallibly remembers every detail of our conversations.
  • The machine works infallibly to produce perfect results every time.
  • He infallibly predicted the outcome of the match based on past statistics.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'infallibly'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'infallibly' originates from the Latin word 'infallibilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'fallere' means 'to deceive or fail'. The term gradually made its way into the English language in the 15th century, primarily used in religious and philosophical contexts to denote the inability to err in moral or divine matters. Over time, its usage expanded to general applications, highlighting reliability in various contexts. The prefix 'in-' negates the root, suggesting an absolute level of certainty, making it a powerful term for describing actions, beliefs, or systems that are seen as completely dependable or correct.


Word Frequency Rank

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.