Perfidious: meaning, definitions and examples

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perfidious

[ˈpəːfɪdɪəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. He revealed the perfidious nature of his once trusted advisor. Her perfidious actions shattered their friendship beyond repair.
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. The captain lost trust in his treacherous crew. The path was treacherous, filled with hidden dangers.
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. She could not forgive his faithless actions during their marriage. They deemed him faithless for breaking his promises repeatedly.
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. He felt disheartened when his disloyal friends excluded him from the group. Her disloyal behavior towards the company was disappointing.

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. He couldn't believe his own brother could be so perfidious. The perfidious actions of the spy shocked everyone.
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. The treacherous terrain made hiking very dangerous. His treacherous betrayal broke her heart.
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. Politicians are often accused of being duplicitous. Her duplicitous nature made it hard to trust her.
deceitful	Used to describe someone who practices deceit or lies, typically in an everyday context. It carries a negative connotation. Her deceitful claims nearly got her colleague fired. He was known to be deceitful, always bending the truth to his advantage.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "perfidious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perverso

🇮🇳 धोखेबाज़

🇩🇪 hinterhältig

🇮🇩 khianat

🇺🇦 підступний

🇵🇱 zdradliwy

🇯🇵 裏切りの

🇫🇷 perfide

🇪🇸 pérfido

🇹🇷 hain

🇰🇷 배신하는

🇸🇦 غادر

🇨🇿 zrádný

🇸🇰 zradný

🇨🇳 背信的

🇸🇮 izdajalski

🇮🇸 svikull

🇰🇿 сатқын

🇬🇪 მოღალატე

🇦🇿 xəyanətkar

🇲🇽 pérfido

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,738, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24735 fiddling
24736 severer
24737 tinsel
24738 perfidious
24739 fluorspar
24740 overshoot
24741 pleasanter
...