infallible

See also: infal·lible

English

WOTD – 4 March 2010

Etymology

From Medieval Latin infallibilis, from Latin in- + fallibilis. Compare French infaillible.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ɪnˈfa.lɪ.b(ə)l/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ɪnˈfæ.lə.bəl/
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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.
  2. Certain to produce the intended effect, sure.
    Try this infallible cure for hiccups.
    • 1818, Mary Shelley, chapter 4, in Frankenstein:
      I see by your eagerness and the wonder and hope which your eyes express, my friend, that you expect to be informed of the secret with which I am acquainted; that cannot be; listen patiently until the end of my story, 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.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations

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