Loyalty
/ˈlɔɪ.əl.ti/noun
The quality of being faithful to a person, cause, or duty.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *legalis* (“lawful”), so its earliest energy was less romance and more sworn compliance under authority.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
legalis
“pertaining to law; lawful”
Old French
Old French
loial
“lawful, legitimate, faithful”
Middle English
English
loyal
“faithful, true to one's allegiance”
16th Century
English
loyalty
“the quality of being loyal; faithfulness to a sovereign or cause”
Modern English
English
loyalty
“faithfulness and devotion to a person, group, or duty”
Explore more surprising origins