faith

FAYTH/feɪθ/

Pluralfaiths

6 meanings of faith

1
religionnouncountable
A religion or set of spiritual beliefs that people follow.
She was raised in the Catholic faith but later explored other traditions.
Many people find comfort in their faith during times of loss.
UsageSay people of all faiths, or raised in a faith.
Similarreligion, creed, belief, denomination, church
2
firm beliefnoununcountable
A strong belief that someone or something is good, honest, or will do what you hope.
Like believing a seed will grow before you see any sprout.
I have faith in you.
After the scandal, people lost faith in the police.
UsageSay faith in someone: I have faith in you.
Similartrust, confidence, belief, reliance, conviction
Oppositedoubt, distrust, mistrust, skepticism
Note
3
keeping promisesnoununcountable
A duty to stay loyal and true, and the act of keeping that duty.
Like keeping a promise even when it becomes hard.
She broke faith with her team when she shared their secrets.
She kept faith with her team even when they lost every game.
UsageSay keep faith with someone, or act in good faith.
Similarloyalty, fidelity, allegiance, fealty
Oppositedisloyalty, infidelity, betrayal, treachery

Less common meanings

4
nounobsoleteuncountable
How believable or truthful something is.
Note
5
adverbarchaic
Alternative form of in faith. An old way to say "really" or "truly."
'Faith, friend,' he says, 'that was a nasty fall for a fellow that has supped weel. Where might your road be gaun to?'
1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the TideHere, faith is short for in faith, meaning truly or really.
Note
6
interjectionobsoleteabbreviationellipsis
Short for by my faith: an old way to say "truly" or to show surprise.
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Old French "fei," which came from Latin "fidem." It replaced the older English word "ġelēafa," which also meant "belief."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Faith comes from Old French fei. en.wiktionary.org
Old French fei came from Latin fidem. en.wiktionary.org
Faith displaced Old English ġelēafa, which also meant belief. en.wiktionary.org