— faithfully , adv. — faithfulness , n.
/fayth"feuhl/ , adj.
1. strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.
2. true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.
3. steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.
4. reliable, trusted, or believed.
5. adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; accurate: a faithful account; a faithful copy.
6. Obs. full of faith; believing.
n.
7. the faithful ,
a. the believers, esp. members of a Christian church or adherents of Islam.
b. the body of loyal members of any party or group.
[ 1250-1300; ME feithful. See FAITH, -FUL ]
Syn. 1, 3. true, devoted, staunch. 3. FAITHFUL, CONSTANT, LOYAL imply qualities of stability, dependability, and devotion. FAITHFUL implies long-continued and steadfast fidelity to whatever one is bound to by a pledge, duty, or obligation: a faithful friend. CONSTANT suggests firmness and steadfastness in attachment: a constant affection. LOYAL implies unswerving allegiance to a person, organization, cause, or idea: loyal to one's associates, one's country. 5. precise, exact.