loyal
Loyal (adj) means Faithful and unwavering in your support of a person, group, or cause. Example: “The dog stayed loyal to its owner through years of hardship.”
How to use loyal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSticking by someone or something through thick and thin.
Don't confuse with "royal," which is about kings and queens, not faithfulness.
Word forms
more loyal comparative, Loyals plural, most loyal superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dog stayed _____ to its owner through years of hardship.
Etymology
Borrowed via Middle French from Old French "loial," ultimately from Latin "legalis" — the same root that gives us "legal." "Loyal" and "legal" are historical twins.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for loyal
See all rhymes for loyal →Frequently asked questions
What does “loyal” mean?
The word “loyal” means faithful and unwavering in your support of a person, group, or cause. In plain terms, sticking by someone or something through thick and thin.
How do you pronounce “loyal”?
“Loyal” is pronounced LOY-uhl (/ˈlɔɪəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “loyal” in a sentence?
Here is “loyal” used in a sentence: “The dog stayed loyal to its owner through years of hardship.”
What is the opposite of “loyal”?
The opposite of “loyal” — its antonyms — are disloyal, fickle and treacherous.
What part of speech is “loyal”?
“Loyal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “loyal” come from?
The word “loyal” comes from Latin. Borrowed via Middle French from Old French "loial," ultimately from Latin "legalis" — the same root that gives us "legal." "Loyal" and "legal" are historical twins.
Is “loyal” a common word?
“Loyal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "loyal" and "faithful"?
Both mean reliably devoted and overlap heavily. "Loyal" stresses unwavering support for a person, group, or cause, while "faithful" often adds the idea of keeping promises or staying true, as in a faithful partner.
What preposition is used with "loyal"?
"Loyal" is followed by "to" — loyal to his country, loyal to her friends. It names the person, group, or cause that you steadfastly support.
What is the difference between "loyal" and "royal"?
They look and sound similar but are unrelated. "Loyal" means faithful in your support, while "royal" relates to a king or queen. Only one letter differs, so they are easy to mistype.
What is the opposite of "loyal"?
The main opposite is "disloyal," meaning unfaithful or untrustworthy. Related opposites include "treacherous" and "fickle," which describe someone whose support cannot be relied on.
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