high fidelity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “high fidelity” mean?
The accurate reproduction of sound or images, especially in audio equipment, with minimal distortion or noise.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The accurate reproduction of sound or images, especially in audio equipment, with minimal distortion or noise.
Extreme faithfulness or accuracy in replicating an original; a quality of being very close to the truth or to a real experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The hyphenated form 'hi-fi' as a noun (for equipment) is equally common in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes quality, precision, and often expense in its technical sense. In metaphorical use, it suggests rigorous accuracy.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger consumer electronics market discourse, but the difference is minimal.
Grammar
How to Use “high fidelity” in a Sentence
Noun + of + high fidelity (a system of high fidelity)Adjective + high fidelity (true high fidelity)Verb + for + high fidelity (strive for high fidelity)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high fidelity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This technology high-fidelities the original performance.
- We aim to high-fidelity the signal.
American English
- This technology high-fidelities the original performance.
- We aim to high-fidelity the signal.
adverb
British English
- The sound was reproduced high-fidelityly.
- The system performs high-fidelityly.
American English
- The sound was reproduced high-fidelityly.
- The system performs high-fidelityly.
adjective
British English
- He is a high-fidelity enthusiast.
- They bought a high-fidelity recording console.
American English
- He is a high-fidelity enthusiast.
- They bought a high-fidelity recording console.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing audio/visual equipment and software. 'Our new speakers offer unparalleled high fidelity.'
Academic
Used in engineering, computer science (simulations), media studies. 'The study required a high-fidelity model of the cardiovascular system.'
Everyday
Less common. Might be used when discussing home entertainment systems. 'He spent a fortune on a high-fidelity setup.'
Technical
Core usage domain. Specifications for audio equipment, data transmission, virtual reality. 'The DAC ensures high fidelity by minimising signal degradation.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high fidelity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high fidelity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high fidelity”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a high fidelity'). It is generally uncountable/non-count. Correct: 'This system has high fidelity.'
- Omitting the hyphen when used as a compound adjective before a noun: 'high-fidelity system' (with hyphen) vs. 'The system is high fidelity' (no hyphen).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'hi-fi' is a common informal shortening of 'high fidelity', used especially as a noun to refer to the equipment itself (e.g., 'a hi-fi system').
Yes, while originating in audio, it is now used metaphorically for any highly accurate reproduction, such as in 'high-fidelity simulation' (engineering/VR) or 'high-fidelity colour' (photography).
The direct opposite is 'low fidelity', often shortened to 'lo-fi'. Lo-fi can refer to poor quality sound or intentionally raw, unpolished audio aesthetics in music.
You should hyphenate it when it is used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., 'a high-fidelity speaker'). Do not hyphenate when it follows a verb (e.g., 'The sound is high fidelity').
The accurate reproduction of sound or images, especially in audio equipment, with minimal distortion or noise.
High fidelity is usually formal, technical in register.
High fidelity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ fɪˈdel.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ fɪˈdel.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) clear as a bell (for sound fidelity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HIGHly FAITHFUL (fidelity comes from 'fides', Latin for faith) dog that perfectly replicates its owner's commands → HIGH FIDELITY perfectly replicates the original sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCURACY IS FAITHFULNESS (being true to the source). SOUND QUALITY IS PHYSICAL HEIGHT (high fidelity vs. low fidelity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'high fidelity' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?