Faithfully

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈfeɪθfəli/

Definitions

1. In a way that demonstrates loyalty and trustworthiness while also accurately reflecting or mimicking the original intent or essence of something
2. With unwavering loyalty and reliability, conveying an authentic representation or reproduction of intent or character
3. In a manner showing consistent loyalty and strong dedication to a person or cause ; in a way that precisely mirrors or conveys the original meaning or style

Etymology: "Faithfully" is about as transparent as English words get: it is the adverb of "faithful," which itself comes from "faith," with the adverbial ending "-ly" added on. The adjective "faithful" reached English earlier, and the adverb took shape in Middle English as "feithfulli," so its meaning followed the same path as its root: a faithful person was one who kept faith, and to act faithfully was to act in a way that kept that faith. The second sense, "in a way that precisely mirrors the original," grew out of the first. A translation or copy that keeps faith with its source is one that does not stray from it, so the same word that describes loyalty to a person can describe accuracy to a text.

Synonyms: loyally, devotedly, reliably

Antonyms: disloyally, unfaithfully