DictionaryAI

fidelity

noun
USfi-DEL-i-tee/fɪˈdɛl.ɪ.ti/

3 meanings of fidelity

Practice

  1. 1
    noununcountable
    The degree to which something is accurate or faithfully reproduces an original, as with a sound system, a copy, or a translation.

    Engineers tested the amplifier's fidelity by comparing its output signal with the input.

    Compressing the video too heavily reduces its fidelity, leaving blocky edges and smeared colors.

    UsageOften in high fidelity, shortened to hi-fi, for sound equipment.

    Similaraccuracy, faithfulness, precision, exactness

    Oppositeinaccuracy, distortion, imprecision

  2. 2
    to dutynoununcountable
    Faithfulness to a duty, person, cause, or promise; steady loyalty shown in carrying out one's obligations.

    The old steward served the family with a fidelity that outlasted three generations.

    The inspector's fidelity to duty earned her the trust of the whole department.

    UsageUsually fidelity to something: fidelity to duty, fidelity to a cause.

    Similarloyalty, faithfulness, devotion, allegiance, dedication

    Oppositedisloyalty, infidelity

    Note

    In this sense the loyalty shows as steady service, and it is usually said of people who hold a post: stewards, inspectors, civil servants. Fidelity to a cause, a principle or a promise carries the same steadiness beyond any job.

  3. 3
    to a partnernoununcountable
    Loyalty to one's spouse or partner, including not cheating on them or having extramarital affairs.

    An affair early in the marriage left her questioning his fidelity for years.

    The novel follows a couple whose ideas of fidelity are tested by a long separation.

    UsageOften marital fidelity. The opposite is infidelity.

    Similarfaithfulness, loyalty

    Oppositeinfidelity, unfaithfulness

Practice

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Origin

The word entered Middle English in the 15th century from Middle French fidélité, which came from Latin fidēlitās. That Latin noun was built on fidēlis ("faithful"), which comes from fidēs ("faith, loyalty"), a relative of English faith. The ultimate root, *bʰeydʰ- in Proto-Indo-European, meant "to command, to persuade, to trust" and is also related to English bide. Fealty is a doublet.