What is faith? Pronunciation and usage in English

faith means . Learn how to pronounce and use faith through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of faith

faithnoun

/feɪθ/
Definition & pronunciation of faith

The word "faith" in English is pronounced fayth.

Here's a breakdown:

  • f - Like the letter "f"
  • a - Like the "a" in "father"
  • i - Like the "i" in "bit"
  • th - Pronounced as a single sound, similar to the "th" in "think"

Tips for saying it correctly:

  • Don't overemphasize the "th." It's a softer "th" sound.
  • Keep it relatively short and clipped.

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Usage and examples with the word faith in English

Let's break down how to use the word "faith" in English. It's a surprisingly complex word with multiple layers of meaning! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Religious Faith (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most common understanding of “faith.” It refers to a belief in a god or gods, or in a religious system of beliefs and practices. It’s often accompanied by trust and commitment.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a strong faith in God." (Belief in God)
    • "His faith helped him through a difficult time." (Trust in God’s plan)
    • “The church is built on the faith of its members.” (Belief and commitment to a religion)
    • "He lost his faith after a traumatic event." (A weakening or abandonment of religious belief)

2. General Trust and Confidence

  • Definition: "Faith" can also mean general trust and confidence in someone or something—not necessarily religious. It’s a belief that something will happen or someone will be reliable.
  • Examples:
    • "I have faith in you to finish the project on time." (Trust in someone's ability)
    • "She placed her faith in the doctor’s expertise." (Trust in the doctor’s skill)
    • "He showed faith in the new strategy." (Belief that the strategy will work)
    • "She was putting her faith in luck." (Believing luck will provide a good outcome)

3. Persistence and Determination (Figurative Use)

  • Definition: "Faith" can be used metaphorically to describe the perseverance and determination to achieve something, even when it's difficult. It’s about holding onto a belief in your ability to succeed.
  • Examples:
    • "It took a lot of faith to start her own business." (Persistence and belief in herself)
    • "He had the faith to overcome his illness." (Determination to recover)
    • “She had faith that she’d eventually find the right partner.” (Belief and commitment to finding a partner)

4. Faithfulness and Loyalty

  • Definition: This refers to loyal devotion or commitment to a person, cause, or principle.
  • Examples:
    • “She showed unwavering faith to her family.” (Loyal devotion)
    • “His faith in the values of democracy never wavered.” (Commitment to principles)

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • "Have faith” vs. “Place faith”: Both are common. “Have faith” emphasizes an internal state of belief. “Place faith” highlights the act of trusting someone or something.
  • “Faithful” vs. “Faith”: These are related, but different. “Faithful” describes someone who is consistent and reliable (e.g., “a faithful friend”). "Faith" is the belief itself.
  • Strong vs. Weak Faith: “Strong faith” implies a deep, resolute belief. “Weak faith” suggests a dwindling or uncertain belief.

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Category Definition Example
Religious Faith Belief in a god or religion “She has faith in God.”
General Trust Confidence in someone/something “I have faith in you.”
Persistence Determination to succeed “It took faith to start the business.”
Faithfulness Loyal devotion “He was a faithful husband.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "faith"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, an essay?)
  • What specific meaning are you aiming for?

Synonyms for the word faith

Idioms of the word faith

break/keep faith with somebody
to break/keep a promise that you have made to somebody; to stop/continue supporting somebody
  • As club manager he was not prepared to keep faith with the players who had failed him.
in bad faith
knowing that what you are doing is wrong
  • They had entered into the contract in bad faith.
in good faith
believing that what you are doing is right; believing that something is correct
  • We printed the report in good faith but have now learnt that it was incorrect.
  • He bought the painting in good faith (= he did not know that it had been stolen).
a leap of faith
a belief in something that is not known or has not been done before
  • These reforms are totally untested and will require a leap of faith on the part of teachers.
pin your faith on somebody/something
to rely on somebody/something completely for success or help
  • She did not pin much faith on their chances of success.

Practice with vocabulary faith

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite the initial setbacks, the team leader demonstrated unwavering _______ in her colleagues' capacity to overcome the obstacles.
  2. Developing strong customer _______ is crucial for sustainable business growth.
  3. His consistent effort and _______ to professional development were evident in his rapid career progression.
  4. To restore consumer _______, the brand launched a transparency campaign about its supply chain.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms primarily describes a strong belief or complete trust in someone or something, often without empirical proof? A) skepticism B) suspicion C) faith D) uncertainty

  2. In a team environment, cultivating mutual _______ is essential for successful collaboration and project delivery. A) distrust B) indifference C) competition D) faith E) confidence

  3. When an individual demonstrates unwavering _______ in the company's vision, they are more likely to inspire others. A) pessimism B) cynicism C) faith D) doubt E) despair

  4. Which word best describes the quality of being loyal and trustworthy, especially in a relationship or a commitment? A) fidelity B) treachery C) apathy D) variability

  5. The scientific community requires empirical evidence to establish _______ in a hypothesis, rather than mere speculation. A) credence B) disbelief C) conjecture D) incredulity

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to use "faith": Despite significant challenges, the team was confident they would succeed.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to use "faith": The investor completely trusts the financial advisor's judgment.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "faith": Her unwavering belief in progress inspired many around her.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. faith
  2. trust
  3. dedication
  4. faith

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) faith
  2. D) faith, E) confidence
  3. C) faith
  4. A) fidelity
  5. A) credence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Despite significant challenges, the team had great faith that they would succeed.
  2. The investor puts complete faith in the financial advisor's judgment.
  3. Her unwavering conviction in progress inspired many around her.

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