n.
Pronunciation: f ə - ' de-l ə -t ē , f ī -
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English fidelite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French fidelité, from Latin fidelitat-, fidelitas, from fidelis faithful, from fides faith, from fidere to trust ― more at BIDE
Date: 15th century
1 a : the quality or state of being faithful b : accuracy in details : EXACTNESS
2 : the degree to which an electronic device (as a record player, radio, or television) accurately reproduces its effect (as sound or picture)
synonyms FIDELITY , ALLEGIANCE , FEALTY , LOYALTY , DEVOTION , PIETY mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty. FIDELITY implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty <marital fidelity >. ALLEGIANCE suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country <pledging allegiance >. FEALTY implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow < fealty to the truth>. LOYALTY implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray <valued the loyalty of his friends>. DEVOTION stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication <a painter's devotion to her art>. PIETY stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental <filial piety >.