Perfidious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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perfidious
[ˈpəːfɪdɪəs ]
Definitions
betrayal
Deceitful and untrustworthy, especially in betraying someone's trust.
Synonyms
disloyal, faithless, treacherous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perfidious |
This word can be used when describing someone who betrays trust or is deceitful in a very intense and deliberate manner. It often conveys a sense of severe betrayal.
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| treacherous |
Treacherous is used to describe actions or people that are dangerously unstable or likely to betray. It is often applied in contexts involving serious betrayal, risk, or deceit.
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| faithless |
Faithless is used to describe someone who betrays trust or shows infidelity, often in romantic or deeply personal relationships. It carries a connotation of being untrustworthy.
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| disloyal |
Disloyal is commonly used in general situations where there is a lack of loyalty or faithfulness, especially in relationships or affiliations. It does not necessarily imply severe betrayal.
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Examples of usage
- He was known for his perfidious nature, always double-crossing those who trusted him.
- The perfidious actions of the spy were revealed after years of deception.
treachery
Deliberately faithless; deceitful.
Synonyms
deceitful, duplicitous, treacherous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perfidious |
Used to describe someone who is deliberately faithless or disloyal. It often has a dramatic or literary tone.
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| treacherous |
Used to describe someone or something that is dangerously unstable or unreliable, often with a sense of betrayal. It has a strong negative connotation.
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| duplicitous |
Often used to describe someone who is deceitful by pretending to have one set of feelings while actually having another. This term is general but can be formal.
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| deceitful |
Used to describe someone who practices deceit or lies, typically in an everyday context. It carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The perfidious plot to overthrow the government was uncovered by the authorities.
- She could not believe the perfidious behavior of her closest friend.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters described as perfidious often play the role of betrayers, such as in 'Othello'.
- Literary examples illustrate how perfidious characters can evoke feelings of betrayal in readers.
- The term is frequently used in poetry to express themes of betrayal and dishonor.
Psychology
- Research in psychology suggests that betrayal by a perfidious individual can lead to significant emotional distress.
- Trust and betrayal are significant themes in human relationships, often studied in fields like social psychology.
- Perfidious behavior can erode trust, impacting personal and professional relationships.
Pop Culture
- In films and novels, the perfidious character often turns out to be the main antagonist, adding tension to the plot.
- Popular culture references, like in spy films, often highlight the element of betrayal associated with perfidious roles.
- The use of perfidious characters can be traced back to classic tales, keeping the concept alive in modern storytelling.
History
- Many historical events involved perfidious acts, such as betrayals during wars, which changed the course of nations.
- Notable figures in history, like Julius Caesar, faced betrayals from those they considered allies, exemplifying perfidious actions.
- The concept has been used throughout history to describe political and military treachery, underscoring its long-standing significance.
Origin of 'perfidious'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'perfidious' comes from the Latin 'perfidiosus', meaning 'faithless' or 'treacherous'.
- It is formed from the roots 'per-' (through) and 'fides' (faith), which indicates a breach of faith.
- Originally, it was used to describe soldiers who betrayed their commanders.
The word 'perfidious' originated from the Latin word 'perfidia', meaning 'faithlessness' or 'treachery'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century and has since been used to describe someone who is deceitful and untrustworthy, particularly in betraying the trust of others.