act of faith

: an act requiring or displaying faith
specifically : auto-da-fé

Word History

Etymology

translation of Portuguese auto-da-fé

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of act of faith was in 1582

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near act of faith

Cite this Entry

“Act of faith.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/act%20of%20faith. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on act of faith

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!