Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about perfidious (AI summary)

The word "perfidious" in literature has long been employed to evoke an intense sense of betrayal and treachery, coloring characters and events with a deep moral reprehension. In historical narratives and political discourses, for instance, it describes cruel and betraying figures—from tyrants and deceitful enemies in epic chronicles ([1], [2], [3]) to character assassins in political ruminations ([4], [5]). Authors also use it vividly in personal confrontations and dramatic exclamations, whether addressing a disloyal friend ([6], [7]), a seductive traitor ([8], [9]), or even as a playful metaphor for natural elements like the deceptive quiet of a river ([10]). Its adaptability is further evidenced in classical texts and modern satires alike, underpinning themes of loyalty and betrayal across genres from epic poetry to picaresque adventures ([11], [12], [13]).
  1. But tyranny, cruel and perfidious as his, brings its own punishment.
    — from The Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole
  2. King Richard was absent a prisoner, and in the power of the perfidious and cruel Duke of Austria.
    — from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott
  3. Surprised by a perfidious enemy before your 288 columns were united, you had to retreat to the Adige.
    — from Napoleon's Letters to Josephine, 1796-1812 by Emperor of the French Napoleon I
  4. Governor Yates is 'perfidious and weak.'
    — from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson
  5. The word “Machiavellism” has, however, been adopted to denote all that is deformed, insincere, and perfidious in politics.
    — from Bacon's Essays, and Wisdom of the Ancients by Francis Bacon
  6. Perfidious to you?
    — from The Way of the World by William Congreve
  7. Not that I respect myself; though he has been a perfidious wretch to me.
    — from The Way of the World by William Congreve
  8. Who shall throw the first stone at a husband, who, in the heat of just resentment, sacrifices his faithless wife and her perfidious seducer?
    — from The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
  9. But thy punishment will be the first and the greatest; and well deservest thou to smart, O perfidious traitor!
    — from Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson
  10. It is often remorseless and cruel, it is true; but it shrieks, it roars, it is honest, the great sea; while the river is silent and perfidious.
    — from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant
  11. And leave unpunish'd this perfidious race? Shall Troy, shall Priam, and the adulterous spouse, In peace enjoy the fruits of broken vows?
    — from The Iliad by Homer
  12. " Him thus upbraiding, with a wrathful look The lord of thunders view'd, and stern bespoke: "To me, perfidious!
    — from The Iliad by Homer
  13. Around the brave Tiger Lily were a dozen of her stoutest warriors, and they suddenly saw the perfidious pirates bearing down upon them.
    — from Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux