sacred
English meaning: Sacred
Definition
Characterized by solemn religious ceremony or religious use, especially, in a positive sense; consecrated, made holy.
Example
“a sacred day”
Another example: “For the local community, the old oak grove is sacred ground.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A somewhat formal or literary adjective describing something holy, devoted to religion, or so highly valued it must not be violated. Used both in strictly religious contexts (sacred texts) and figuratively (a sacred duty, sacred memories).
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'sacer' (holy, consecrated), via the past participle 'sacrare' (to consecrate); recorded in English from the late 14th century.
Synonyms
- sublime
- inviolable
- ineffable
- sanctified
- revered
- hallowed
- taboo
- numinous
- sacrosanct
- dedicated
Antonyms / Opposites
- profane
- secular
- unholy
Related Words
Common Collocations
- sacred text
- sacred ground
- sacred duty
- sacred site
- held sacred
- sacred ritual
Word Forms
sacred (adj); sacredly (adv); sacredness (n); sacrament (n, related)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B