perfidy
/ˈpɜː.fɪ.di/
Group 8Difficulty 3/3
Definition
- (noun)
- Deceitfulness; untrustworthiness; deliberate breach of faith or trust GRE
Example in Context
The general's perfidy, revealed when classified documents surfaced, shocked a nation that had regarded him as a patriotic hero.
Synonyms
betrayaltreacherydisloyalty
Etymology
Breach of faith that goes THROUGH trust, leading to deceit.
- per- (Latin) — through
- fides (Latin) — faith
Memory Aid
🕵️♂️Sounds like “purity”
A spy named PURITY who betrays everyone, showing PERFIDY by being untrustworthy!
Visual Association
💔A heart shattered into pieces as a friend reveals their deceitful nature.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “perfidy” mean on the GRE?
perfidy (noun) means “Deceitfulness; untrustworthiness; deliberate breach of faith or trust”. The general's perfidy, revealed when classified documents surfaced, shocked a nation that had regarded him as a patriotic hero.
How to remember “perfidy” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “perfidy” sounds like “purity”. A spy named PURITY who betrays everyone, showing PERFIDY by being untrustworthy!
What are synonyms for “perfidy”?
Common synonyms: betrayal, treachery, disloyalty.