THE USE OF THE FRENCH TERM “FIDÉLITÉ” IN FRENCH PROVERBS

Abstract

The French term “fidélité”, meaning loyalty or faithfulness, holds significant cultural and linguistic value in French proverbs. This article explores the various ways in which “fidélité” is employed in proverbial expressions, highlighting its role in shaping moral, social, and philosophical perspectives in French-speaking societies. By analyzing selected proverbs, the study examines how “fidélité” reflects ideals of trust, justice, love, and commitment. Furthermore, a comparative approach is used to contrast its usage with equivalent concepts in other languages, demonstrating the universality and uniqueness of loyalty as a virtue. The findings reveal that “fidélité” serves not only as a linguistic marker of ethical values but also as a key element in interpersonal and societal relationships. Ultimately, this research underscores the enduring significance of “fidélité” in French cultural identity and wisdom traditions.