Loyal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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loyal

[ˈlɔɪəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in relationships

Giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. Loyalty is a strong feeling of support or allegiance.

Synonyms

committed, dedicated, devoted, faithful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loyal	Typically describes a strong feeling of allegiance or support, often used in relation to people, animals, or brands. He is a loyal friend who always stands by my side The dog was loyal to its owner till the end
faithful	Most commonly used to describe loyalty in relationships, particularly romantic or religious contexts, with an emphasis on trustworthiness. She has been a faithful wife for over 30 years They remain faithful to their religious beliefs
devoted	Suggests a profound level of commitment, often with an emotional component, typically used in personal or intimate contexts. She is devoted to caring for her elderly parents The fans are devoted to their favorite band
committed	Often used in professional or personal settings to describe someone who is dedicated and engaged in a task or relationship over the long term. She is highly committed to her job and often works late to meet deadlines They are committed to making their marriage work
dedicated	Usually implies a high level of devotion and hard work towards a particular cause, task, or purpose. Often used in a positive sense. He is a dedicated teacher who spends extra time with his students The team was dedicated to achieving their goals

Examples of usage

He has always been a loyal friend, standing by me through thick and thin.
She remained loyal to her beliefs, even when faced with criticism.
The dog's loyalty to its owner was unwavering, never straying from his side.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in customer service

Being faithful to a particular brand, product, or company. Loyal customers are those who consistently choose to buy from the same brand or company.

Synonyms

committed, dedicated, devoted, faithful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loyal	This word is best used to highlight unwavering trust and support, particularly in relationships or alliances. It is often used to describe allegiance to people, groups, or causes. She has always been loyal to her friends The loyal customer base never fails to visit the shop
faithful	This word is generally reserved for contexts where loyalty is paired with a sense of constancy and reliability, often in romantic or spiritual relationships. She remained faithful to her husband despite the challenges He is faithful to his religious beliefs
dedicated	Typically used to describe a strong sense of passion and focus towards a task, goal, or cause. It reflects a high level of enthusiasm and effort. She is a dedicated teacher who spends extra hours helping students The volunteers are dedicated to cleaning up the environment
committed	Best used to emphasize a strong sense of obligation or responsibility towards something or someone. Suitable for both personal and professional settings. He is committed to finishing his degree The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint
devoted	Often used in a more personal or emotional context to signify deep love, care, or affection, usually towards a person, cause, or belief. He is devoted to his family The monk is devoted to his spiritual practices

Examples of usage

The company rewards its loyal customers with exclusive discounts and offers.
She is a loyal customer of that brand, always choosing their products over others.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

Throughout history, loyalty has been a crucial virtue in cultures, often celebrated in literature, tales of chivalry, and knightly codes.
In ancient Rome, soldiers demonstrated loyalty to their generals, often influencing the rise and fall of emperors.
Feudal systems depended heavily on loyalty, where vassals swore oaths to serve their lords in exchange for protection and land.

Pop Culture

In popular media, loyalty is a key theme in movies like 'Harry Potter', where friendships withstand trials and challenges.
Characters such as Samwise Gamgee from 'The Lord of the Rings' exemplify loyalty, highlighting its importance in epic narratives.
The concept often appears in music, with songs celebrating steadfast friendships and love.

Psychology

Psychologists suggest that loyalty fosters trust and strengthens relationships, leading to deeper emotional bonds.
Studies show that loyal individuals often experience greater life satisfaction, reflecting the positive effects of solid relationships.
The feeling of loyalty can activate the brain's reward centers, similar to feelings associated with love and commitment.

Literature

Many literary works explore themes of loyalty, portraying characters that sacrifice and dedicate themselves to others.
Classic novels like 'The Great Gatsby' showcase complex relationships where loyalty plays a pivotal role in character motivations.
Loyalty motifs can be found across genres, from epic poetry to modern novels, highlighting its universal significance.

Origin of 'loyal'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'leial', which means 'faithful' or 'true'.
Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'legalis', meaning 'legal' or 'lawful', indicating loyalty to laws and commitments.
The word has evolved over centuries in various languages, often retaining the ideas of faithfulness and support.

The word 'loyal' originated from the Old French word 'loial', which means 'legal' or 'lawful'. Over time, it evolved to represent faithfulness and allegiance. The concept of loyalty has been valued in various cultures and societies throughout history, often associated with virtues such as honor and integrity.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,759 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5756 repetition
5757 slightest
5758 honorable
5759 loyal
5760 partition
5761 bladder
5762 consulting
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