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infallible

Infallible (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ɪnˈfalɪbl/

What does infallible mean?

Incapable of making mistakes or errors, and considered completely trustworthy and flawless in action or judgment.
"Even the most experienced doctors are not infallible."

Detailed Meaning of Infallible

When we characterize something as infallible, it suggests a level of perfection and reliability that is beyond doubt or criticism. Infallibility implies a track record of consistently correct and accurate outcomes, often leading to unwavering trust and confidence in the subject's abilities or judgments. While it's often used in a religious or philosophical context to describe the perfection of a deity or moral principle, it can also be applied to human achievements or technologies that are regarded as highly reliable and free from errors. Overall, "infallible" conveys the idea of an unerring and dependable quality that inspires confidence and trust.

Example Sentences for Infallible

1. Recent events have shown that experts are far from infallible.
2. Chocolate is an infallible cure for boredom.
3. Working in a hospital revealed that doctors are far from infallible.
4. The infallible guidance of the GPS helped us reach our destination without getting lost.
5. The scientist's research was considered infallible by his colleagues.
6. The infallible memory of the witness helped solve the crime.

Origin and Etymology of Infallible

The adjective 'infallible' traces its roots to Latin, where it originates from 'infallibilis.' It combines 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'fallibilis' (meaning 'liable to err' or 'capable of making mistakes'). In Latin, 'infallibilis' described something or someone that was considered incapable of making mistakes or errors and was deemed completely trustworthy and flawless in action or judgment. This notion of being beyond error was retained when 'infallible' was adopted into English. It is used to characterize things or individuals that are believed to be incapable of making mistakes or errors, often suggesting a high level of trustworthiness and reliability. The etymology of 'infallible' underscores its historical connection to the concept of being error-free and completely dependable, emphasizing the idea of being beyond the possibility of making mistakes.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective infallible:

imperfect

flawless

error-prone

fallible

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Infallible

1. Calculators may be infallible but their operators are not.
2. The infallible reputation of the company was built on its commitment to quality.
3. Her faith in her father's infallible wisdom was unshakeable.
4. The company's infallible success strategy had competitors scrambling to catch up.
5. His infallible memory for details made him an excellent investigator.
6. The compass is an infallible tool for orientation, always pointing north.
7. The chess master was known for his infallible strategies.
8. Though many saw him as infallible, the president privately acknowledged his mistakes.
9. She had an infallible knack for telling when someone was lying.
10. With infallible patience, he waited for the right moment to propose.
11. The recipe seemed infallible, promising the perfect chocolate cake every time.
12. His infallible method for winning at poker intrigued the other players.
13. Despite the challenges, their commitment to each other remained infallible.
14. The detective's infallible instincts often led to quick case resolutions.
15. Infallible as it seemed, the theory was still not widely accepted.
16. The infallible safety record of the airline reassured nervous travelers.
17. He had an infallible eye for spotting the best investments.
18. Many saw her as an infallible leader, leading with wisdom and courage.
19. His grandmother's infallible home remedies always seemed to cure his ailments.
20. In their eyes, the system was infallible, but I could see its flaws.
21. The coach trusted the infallible instincts of his star player during crucial moments.
22. Her infallible sense of fashion made her a popular stylist in Hollywood.