Unfaithfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคฅ
Add to dictionary

unfaithfully

[หŒสŒnหˆfeษชฮธfษ™li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a dishonest or disloyal manner

Acting in an untruthful or disloyal way, not keeping promises or commitments.

Synonyms

dishonestly, disloyally, treacherously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unfaithfully

Typically used in the context of romantic or close personal relationships to describe someone who has broken trust by being romantically or sexually involved with someone else.

  • He cheated on her unfaithfully
  • She discovered that he had been acting unfaithfully throughout their marriage
disloyally

Often used in the context of betrayal in relationships, friendships, or loyalty to organizations. It highlights a lack of fidelity or faithfulness to a person or group.

  • He was accused of acting disloyally to his team by sharing confidential information with a competitor
  • She felt hurt when her friend spoke disloyally about her behind her back
dishonestly

Used when referring to general dishonesty, such as lying, stealing, or deceiving. Can be applied broadly across different situations, including work, friendships, and transactions.

  • He acted dishonestly by not reporting all of his income on his taxes
  • She gained the promotion dishonestly by taking credit for others' work
treacherously

A word with strong negative connotations, used for actions that are deceitful and dangerous, often implying a severe breach of trust in a manner that could cause harm.

  • The spy acted treacherously by selling national secrets to an enemy country
  • His treacherous behavior nearly led to the companyโ€™s downfall

Examples of usage

  • He unfaithfully broke his vow to always be there for her.
  • She unfaithfully shared their confidential conversation with others.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that lacks faith or belief

In a manner that shows lack of trust, confidence, or belief.

Synonyms

cynically, distrustfully, skeptically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unfaithfully

This word appears in the list twice. Refer to the first entry for its context and examples.

distrustfully

Use this word when someone lacks trust in others, expecting deception or harm. It also has a negative connotation.

  • He eyed the stranger distrustfully as they approached.
  • She spoke to the salesman distrustfully, wary of being swindled.
skeptically

This word is used when someone questions the validity or truth of something, often requiring more evidence before believing. It can carry a neutral or mildly negative connotation.

  • He looked at the miracle cure skeptically, needing more proof.
cynically

This word is used when someone believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest and typically distrusts their motives. It suggests a negative and skeptical view of human nature.

  • He laughed cynically at the politician's promises.
  • She viewed the charity event cynically, suspecting it was just for publicity.

Examples of usage

  • He unfaithfully questioned her every decision.
  • She unfaithfully doubted his abilities to succeed.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In famous literature, characters who act unfaithfully often face dire consequences, such as betrayal in Shakespeare's works.
  • In the Bible, unfaithfulness is commonly referenced as a moral failing, particularly in the context of relationships.
  • Classic novels frequently explore themes of loyalty and betrayal, illustrating the turmoil caused by unfaithful actions.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that unfaithfulness in relationships can cause significant emotional pain and erode trust.
  • People who act unfaithfully may justify their behavior through cognitive dissonance, creating stories to make themselves feel better.
  • Psychological studies suggest that dissatisfaction in relationships can lead to unfaithful behavior as individuals seek fulfillment elsewhere.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and songs dissect themes of unfaithfulness, often portraying the heartbreak and drama it causes.
  • Television shows often depict characters dealing with betrayal, making it a common plot device that resonates with audiences.
  • Celebrity news frequently highlights unfaithfulness, creating scandals that attract public attention and discussion.

Origin of 'unfaithfully'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'faithful,' which has roots in Old English, meaning 'full of faith' or 'loyal.'
  • The prefix 'un-' indicates negation, turning 'faithful' into its opposite.
  • The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs, which shows how the action is done.

The word 'unfaithfully' originates from the combination of 'un-' (meaning not) and 'faithfully' (meaning in a faithful or loyal manner). It first appeared in the English language in the 16th century and has been used to describe actions or behaviors that lack trust, loyalty, or belief.


See also: faith, faithful, faithfully, faithfulness, faithless, faithlessly, faithlessness, fealty, unfaithful, unfaithfulness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,630, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.