the faithful
the faithful — idiom
1. a way of referring to all the people who belong to a particular religion and reg
a way of referring to all the people who belong to a particular religion and regularly take part in its worship and practices
Every Sunday, the faithful gather at Saint Mary's Church for the morning service.
collective noun used with plural verb
The priest blessed the faithful before they left the cathedral.
During Ramadan, the faithful fast from dawn until sunset each day.
The temple opened its doors wide to welcome the faithful for the evening prayers.
A large crowd of the faithful walked in the procession through the old city.
- believers
broader term; can refer to individuals rather than the collective
- followers
emphasises personal attachment to a leader or teachings
- devotees
suggests strong personal dedication and affection
- the congregation
specific to a single church community rather than a whole religion
- nonbelievers
people who do not follow any religion
- unbelievers
more formal, often used in religious contexts
文法句型
the faithful + plural verb
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article 'the', never 'a faithful' or 'faithfuls'. Functions as a plural noun — the verb that follows takes a plural form.
常見錯誤
2. a term used to describe the people who remain deeply devoted to a particular org
a term used to describe the people who remain deeply devoted to a particular organisation, such as a political party, a sports club, or a business, over a long period
The manager thanked the faithful who came to every home game despite the bad weather.
the faithful who + [action] (relative clause pattern)
Party leaders addressed the faithful at the annual convention in Chicago.
The theatre relies on the faithful who renew their season tickets year after year.
Hundreds of the faithful lined the streets to say goodbye to their retiring captain.
The old bookstore survived only because the faithful kept buying from it online.
- fair-weather fans
informal; people who support only when things go well
- newcomers
people who have recently joined; opposite of long-term members
文法句型
the faithful + plural verb
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (RELIGIOUS FOLLOWERS) — this sense applies to secular organisations. Subject of the sentence is usually the organisation or its leader, and 'the faithful' are the recipients of their gratitude or the object of their appeal.