What is faithful? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of faithful

faithfuladjective

/ˈfeɪθf(ʊ)l/
Definition & pronunciation of faithful

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "faithful." It can be a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

General Pronunciation:

  • FAY-tuh l (Most common and generally accepted)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. FAY: This is pronounced like the name “Fay.” Think of the word "fay" (as in a fairy). The "ai" sound is a long "a" sound, like in "hay."

  2. tuh: This is a very short, unstressed "tuh" sound. It's almost like you're just adding a tiny little pause after the "Fay."

  3. l: This is just the letter "L" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("FAY").
  • Don't over-pronounce the "t": It's a very light "t."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google: Search "how to pronounce faithful" on Google and listen to the audio results.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/faithful/ - This website offers pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce faithful" for video demonstrations.

To recap: FAY-tuh l

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you a different example word to practice?

Usage and examples with the word faithful in English

Let's break down how to use the word "faithful" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown of its different uses, with examples:

1. Loyal and True (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. It describes someone who is consistently devoted, reliable, and steadfast in their commitment.
  • Synonyms: loyal, devoted, reliable, trustworthy, steadfast, true
  • Examples:
    • "She was a faithful companion throughout his illness." (meaning she was supportive and never left him)
    • "He's a faithful employee, always arriving on time and working hard." (meaning he's dependable)
    • "Their marriage was built on faithful love and respect." (meaning they were constantly devoted to each other)
    • "The dog was a faithful guardian, always watching over the house."

2. Accurate and True to the Original (Regarding Representation)

  • Meaning: When referring to literature, music, or art, "faithful" means accurately representing something else, often a story, event, or person.
  • Synonyms: accurate, true to life, realistic, faithful reproduction
  • Examples:
    • "The movie was a faithful adaptation of the novel." (meaning it closely followed the plot and details of the book)
    • "The painter created a faithful portrait of the queen." (meaning the portrait looked very similar to the queen)
    • “The documentary was faithful to the historical record.” (meaning it presented accurate information about the past.)

3. Religious (Concerning God or a Religious Figure)

  • Meaning: In a religious context, "faithful" describes someone who is devoted to God or a religious belief system. It's about obedience and adherence to principles.
  • Synonyms: devout, pious, committed, obedient
  • Examples:
    • "The apostle Paul was a faithful servant of God." (meaning he was devoted to God's will)
    • "He strove to live a faithful life according to his religious teachings." (meaning he tried to always follow those teachings)

4. (Less Common) Of a Dog – Reliable and Vetted

  • Meaning: Historically (and still sometimes used), "faithful" described a dog that had been carefully examined by a veterinarian to ensure it was healthy. Now, it is much less common and often considered outdated usage.
  • Example: "The veterinarian declared the puppy to be a faithful specimen.” (meaning the dog had been thoroughly checked for health)

Tips for Choosing the Right Meaning:

  • Context is Key: The surrounding words and the overall situation will usually tell you which meaning is intended.
  • Consider the Subject: Is it a person, a work of art, or a description of a belief system?

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "faithful" in a specific sentence?
  • Explain the difference between "faithful" and another similar word (like "loyal")?

Synonyms for the word faithful

Practice with vocabulary faithful

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Throughout the economic downturn, the company remained ______ to its employees, avoiding layoffs despite reduced profits.
  2. The historian ensured that his account of the war was a ______ reproduction of primary sources, reflecting events as accurately as possible.
  3. For a successful long-term partnership, both parties must demonstrate a high degree of ______ and honesty in their dealings.
  4. Despite the initial challenges, the team was highly ______ in completing the complex report before the deadline.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words describes someone who is consistently supportive and devoted to a cause or person? a) fickle b) wavering c) faithful d) steadfast

  2. Select the words that best describe a translation that precisely conveys the meaning and tone of the original text. a) approximate b) faithful c) loose d) accurate

  3. A leader who remains true to their principles, even when faced with significant opposition, can be characterized as: a) inconsistent b) unswerving c) erratic d) faithful

  4. Which qualities are essential for a reliable and productive team member? a) unpredictable b) dependable c) diligent d) erratic

  5. Choose the words that indicate a meticulous and thorough approach to a task. a) careless b) painstaking c) superficial d) scrupulous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her commitment to the organization never wavered, even during difficult times. Rewrite (using "faithful" or a related word form):

  2. Original: The portrait was an exceptionally accurate depiction of the old king. Rewrite (using "faithful" or a related word form):

  3. Original: Despite numerous obstacles, the project manager maintained a strong and unwavering focus on achieving the primary goals. Rewrite (do not use "faithful"; use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. faithful
  2. faithful
  3. integrity
  4. diligent

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) faithful, d) steadfast
  2. b) faithful, d) accurate
  3. b) unswerving, d) faithful
  4. b) dependable, c) diligent
  5. b) painstaking, d) scrupulous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She remained faithful to the organization, even during difficult times.
  2. The portrait was a faithful depiction of the old king.
  3. Despite numerous obstacles, the project manager maintained a steadfast focus on achieving the primary goals.

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