The phrase "kept faith" is spelled with the /ɛ/ sound in "kept" and the /eɪ/ diphthong in "faith." The spelling of "kept" is regular, with the letter "e" representing the short vowel sound. However, the spelling of "faith" is irregular, as the diphthong sound is represented by the letters "ai." This can be confusing for non-native speakers of English, as the phonetic spelling may not match the actual spelling of the word. Nonetheless, "kept faith" is an important phrase that conveys the idea of staying true to one's beliefs or principles.
Kept faith refers to the act of maintaining one's loyalty, trust, and belief in someone or something despite difficult or challenging circumstances. It reflects an unwavering commitment and dedication to a person, organization, ideology, or belief system. When someone keeps faith, they remain steadfast and true to their convictions, refusing to abandon their values or principles.
To keep faith means to remain loyal and supportive in times of turmoil, uncertainty, or disappointment. It involves staying true to one's commitments and promises, honoring the trust placed in them by others. This notion often arises in the context of relationships, where it signifies the ability to maintain faithfulness, trust, and devotion to a partner, even when faced with temptations or obstacles.
Moreover, kept faith can extend beyond personal relationships to encompass broader ideals, religious or spiritual beliefs, or even a sense of duty towards a cause or mission. It is the embodiment of resilience, perseverance, and determination in upholding what one considers to be right and just.
In summary, kept faith refers to the unwavering loyalty, trust, and commitment one demonstrates towards a person, organization, ideology, or belief system. It signifies remaining faithful and supportive despite difficult circumstances, upholding one's commitments, and staying true to one's values and principles.
The term "kept faith" does not have a separate etymology as it is a combination of two individual words, "kept" and "faith". Here are the explanations for the etymology of each word:
1. Kept:
The word "kept" originated from the Old English verb "cepan" which means "to care for, keep, or guard". Over time, it developed into the Middle English word "kepen" and eventually became "kept" as we know it today.
2. Faith:
The word "faith" has its roots in the Latin noun "fides", which means "faith, belief, trust". From Latin, it entered Old English as "fǣġeþ", which later became "faith" in Middle English.
So, when combined, "kept faith" simply means maintaining or preserving one's trust or belief in something or someone.