semper fidelis

Where does the word "semper fidelis" come from? It comes from Latin semper fidelis, and was adopted directly into English (1883).

Semper fidelis’s story begins in Latin: semper fidelis meant “always faithful.” Always faithful, from semper (always) and fidelis (faithful). It reached English by 1883 as semper fidelis. Latin 'always faithful'; the US Marine Corps adopted it in 1883, shortened to 'Semper Fi'. Today, semper fidelis means always faithful, used as a motto expressing constant loyalty.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient semper fidelis "always faithful", always faithful, from semper (always) and fidelis (faithful).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1883 semper fidelis "a motto meaning always loyal", Latin 'always faithful'; the US Marine Corps adopted it in 1883, shortened to 'Semper Fi'.