Choose the correct antonyms for the word FIDELITY from the options given:
A. Falsity
B. Treachery
C. Loyalty
D. Obedience
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A and B only
Fidelity means faithfulness and loyalty to a person, cause or promise; it also means accuracy (the fidelity of a translation). It comes from the Latin fides, faith.
Example: The dog's fidelity to its master was famous in the village.
(A) Falsity — Correct. Falsity means being false or untrue; it is opposite to fidelity in both senses, faithfulness and accuracy.
Example: The falsity of his statement was proved in court.
(B) Treachery — Correct. Treachery means betrayal of trust, the direct opposite of loyalty.
Example: The general's treachery led to the fall of the fort.
(C) Loyalty — Incorrect. Loyalty is a synonym of fidelity, not an antonym.
(D) Obedience — Incorrect. Obedience means doing what one is told; it is close to fidelity in spirit, not opposite to it.
Roots: fidelity comes from the Latin fides (faith) and falsity from the Latin falsus (false): one keeps faith and truth, the other breaks them.
| Synonyms (Fidelity) | Antonyms (Fidelity) |
|---|---|
| loyalty | treachery |
| faithfulness | falsity |
| devotion | disloyalty |
| allegiance | infidelity |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fidelity | – | 19-05 S1 | – | – | – |
| treachery | – | – | – | 30-05 S2 | – |