faith
/feɪθ/
Faith is primarily used as an uncountable noun, referring to a general belief or trust. It can also be used as a countable noun in specific contexts, like 'a matter of faith' or 'several faiths', referring to distinct religious beliefs or systems. While often associated with religion, 'faith' can also mean trust or confidence in a person, idea, or thing, even in secular contexts. For example, 'I have faith in your abilities.'
💬Casual Conversation
Hard to keep the faith sometimes, you know? This place just grinds you down.
My faith is in the hull integrity, Commander. And duct tape.
Collocations & Compounds
blind faith
belief that is not based on proof or reason
He has blind faith in his doctor's ability to cure him.
lose faith
to stop believing in someone or something
She began to lose faith in the government's promises.
place faith in
to trust in someone or something
We must place faith in the ability of our team to succeed.
keep faith
to continue to believe in someone or something, especially during difficult times
Despite the setbacks, she managed to keep faith with her goals.
articles of faith
basic principles or beliefs that someone strongly believes in
Protecting the environment is one of the articles of faith for this organization.
Idioms & Sayings
by faith
by believing in something that cannot be seen or proven
He lived his life by faith, trusting in a higher power.
in good faith
with sincere and honest intentions
They negotiated the contract in good faith, hoping for a fair outcome.
in bad faith
with the intention to deceive or mislead
The company was accused of acting in bad faith by hiding crucial information.
faith healer
a person who claims to cure illnesses through religious belief and prayer
Many people seek out a faith healer when conventional medicine fails.
faith movement
a religious movement based on faith healing and spiritual deliverance
The faith movement gained popularity in the mid-20th century.
Cultural Context
The Unseen Force: How Faith Fuels Human Endeavor
The word 'faith' often conjures images of religious devotion, but its influence extends far beyond the sacred. At its core, faith is a profound belief in something unseen, a trust that underpins much of human action and progress. Without it, our world would grind to a halt.
Consider the scientific endeavor. Every experiment begins with a leap of faith. Scientists hypothesize, design experiments, and invest years of their lives based on the faith that observable laws govern the universe and that their methods will yield meaningful results. They have faith in the integrity of their peers, the accuracy of their instruments, and the eventual unveiling of truth, even when immediate evidence is scarce or contradictory.
In our daily lives, faith is the invisible mortar holding society together. When you step onto a bridge, you do so with faith in the engineers who designed it and the construction crews who built it. When you board an airplane, you place your faith in the pilots, the mechanics, and the air traffic controllers. This is not blind faith; it is a rational trust built on past experiences, societal norms, and the perceived competence of others.
Psychologically, faith is a powerful motivator. It allows us to set ambitious goals, to persevere through hardship, and to maintain hope in the face of adversity. It is the faith that tomorrow will come, that our efforts will eventually bear fruit, or that loved ones will return safely, that allows us to navigate the uncertainties of life. Even in the absence of concrete proof, faith provides a framework for meaning and purpose, driving us to connect, to create, and to strive for a better future. It is, in essence, the engine of human aspiration.
Etymology
The word 'faith' comes from the Old French 'feid', which itself derives from the Latin 'fides', meaning 'trust' or 'belief'. It entered Middle English around the 12th century. The concept of faith has ancient roots, appearing in various religious and philosophical traditions, emphasizing belief in something unseen or unproven.