Faithful, Loyal: the differences

The English language adjectives Faithful and Loyal have related meanings, but they are different, as I shall explain, using British English examples.

Loyal means to do your best for an idea, person or organization, not to betray it. Someone who displays loyalty does not do anything that will harm the thing to which they are loyal.
"I am very loyal to my employer."
"My neighbour is loyal to the community."
"If you will be loyal to me and my family, I will look after you."
"Loyalty means everything to me."

Faithful is slightly more than loyal. It implies continuous, unbreaking nature of connection to a person, religion or idea. you expect someone who is faithful to continue to be so forever. People are generally not faithful towards an employer, but you can be loyal while you are employed there. Faith is also used in a religious context.
"My dog is so faithful, I love him."
"I have been faithful to God and Jesus's teachings all my adult life."
"Wouldn't it have been more faithful to explain this to your mother?"
"My faith is very important to me."

Please email me with any questions martha@ukentry.com