infallible

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word infallible. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word infallible, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say infallible in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word infallible you have here. The definition of the word infallible will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofinfallible, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
See also: infal·lible

English

WOTD – 4 March 2010

Etymology

From Medieval Latin infallibilis, from Latin in- + fallibilis. Compare French infaillible. By surface analysis, in- +‎ fallible.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ɪnˈfæl.ɪ.bl̩/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun

infallible (plural infallibles)

  1. A person who, or an object or process that, is taken as being infallible.

Adjective

infallible (comparative more infallible, superlative most infallible)

  1. Without fault or weakness; incapable of error or fallacy.
    He knows about many things, but even he is not infallible.
    • 1720, Samuel Fancourt, “The Remarker's second Objection produced and examined”, in An Essay Concerning Certainty and Infallibility: Or, Some Reflections Upon a Pamphlet Stiled, “The Nature and Consequences of Enthusiasm Considered, in Some Short Remarks on the Doctrine of the Blessed Trinity Stated and Defended.” In a Letter to the Author of Those Remarks‎, London: R. Cruttenden, page 35:
      That there may be Certainty upon an infallible Evidence in Matters of Science, I readily grant you. But since there once were Scepticks in Philosophy as well as Religion, such as doubted of every thing, I very much question, whether the whole World be agreed in this Point; unless you could assure me, that Race of Seekers is now extinct.
  2. Certain to produce the intended effect; sure.
    Try this infallible cure for hiccups.
    • 1818, Mary Shelley, chapter 4, in Frankenstein‎, archived from the original on 30 October 2011:
      [L]isten patiently [...] and you will easily perceive why I am reserved upon that subject. I will not lead you on, unguarded and ardent as I then was, to your destruction and infallible misery.
    • 1833, James Rennie, “The Word Gardening”, in Alphabet of Scientific Gardening for the Use of Beginners, London: William Orr, page 2:
      In precisely the same way does a quack doctor prescribe his infallible nostrum to every patient, without taking into account differences of constitution, or [...]

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related terms

Translations

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia