Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Infidelity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❌
Add to dictionary

infidelity

[ˌɪn.fɪˈdel.ə.ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in relationships

The action or state of being unfaithful to a spouse or partner; disloyalty, betrayal.

Synonyms

betrayal, treachery, unfaithfulness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
infidelity

Used mostly in romantic relationships to describe a situation where someone has been unfaithful, often involving a physical or emotional affair.

  • His repeated acts of infidelity ended their marriage.
  • She could never forgive his infidelity.
unfaithfulness

Used similarly to 'infidelity,' it describes the act of being unfaithful in romantic or serious relationships. Sometimes used as a slightly less severe term than 'infidelity.'

  • She felt a deep sense of unfaithfulness from her partner.
  • Unfaithfulness in a relationship can cause lasting damage.
betrayal

Can be used in various contexts, including personal relationships, friendships, or even professional settings. It generally describes an act of unfaithfulness or breaking of trust.

  • Her friend's betrayal was a devastating blow.
  • The politician faced public outrage after the betrayal of his supporters.
treachery

Often used to describe a more serious or severe form of betrayal that involves deceit and a violation of trust, usually in a political or military context. Has a negative and dramatic connotation.

  • The spy's treachery led to the downfall of the regime.
  • His act of treachery was uncovered by the secret police.

Examples of usage

  • He was devastated when he discovered her infidelity.
  • Infidelity can lead to the breakdown of a marriage.
  • She couldn't forgive him for his infidelity.
Context #2 | Noun

in religion

The action or state of being unfaithful to a religious belief or doctrine; heresy, apostasy.

Synonyms

apostasy, heresy, unbelief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
infidelity

Infidelity is commonly used to describe unfaithfulness in romantic or marital relationships. It refers to a situation where someone has cheated on their partner.

  • John's infidelity led to their divorce
  • She couldn't forgive his infidelity
heresy

Heresy is the act of holding beliefs that are in opposition to the established doctrines of a religion. It often implies a deliberate deviation from accepted teachings.

  • The church condemned his teachings as heresy
  • She was accused of heresy for her unconventional views
apostasy

Apostasy refers to the act of abandoning a religious faith or belief system. It carries a strong connotation of betrayal and is often used in religious or philosophical discussions.

  • He was shunned by the community for his apostasy
  • Apostasy is considered a serious offense in some religions
unbelief

Unbelief refers to the lack of belief in a particular religion or in general. It is used to describe skepticism or doubt towards religious teachings.

  • His unbelief was apparent in his questions during the sermon
  • They discussed the topic of unbelief in their philosophy class

Examples of usage

  • The community viewed his new beliefs as infidelity to the church.
  • Infidelity to the teachings of the faith was strongly condemned.
  • Her actions were seen as a form of infidelity towards the religion.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that infidelity can stem from a range of factors, including unmet emotional needs, dissatisfaction in a relationship, and personal insecurities.
  • Research indicates that individuals who feel unappreciated or neglected in their relationships are more likely to be unfaithful.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Cultural attitudes toward infidelity vary widely; in some cultures, it's viewed as a serious moral failing, while in others, it may be more accepted.
  • The concept of infidelity is often discussed in literature and film, showing how betrayal can lead to dramatic consequences.

Statistics

  • Surveys estimate that approximately 20-25% of married individuals in the U.S. will engage in infidelity at some point in their lives.
  • Infidelity rates reportedly differ between genders, with studies suggesting men are more likely to cheat compared to women, although the gap is narrowing.

Impact on Relationships

  • Infidelity can lead to severe emotional pain for all parties involved and may result in the end of a relationship.
  • Many couples seek counseling after infidelity occurs, aiming to rebuild trust and communication.

Origin of 'infidelity'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'infidelis,' which means 'unfaithful' or 'not trusting.'
  • In the context of religion, 'infidelity' was historically used to describe a lack of faith in God or loyalty to religious beliefs.

The word 'infidelity' originated from the Latin word 'infidelitas', which means 'unfaithfulness'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. The concept of infidelity has been a topic of discussion and moral debate throughout history, reflecting societal norms and values regarding loyalty and betrayal in relationships and religious beliefs.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,720, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.