Celibacy: meaning, definitions and examples

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celibacy

[ˈselɪbəsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious practice

The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious reasons.

Synonyms

abstinence, chastity, purity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
celibacy	Used when someone is committed to not having sexual relations, often for religious or personal reasons. He took a vow of celibacy when he became a monk Maintaining celibacy is a significant part of her spiritual journey
chastity	Has a strong moral or religious connotation, emphasizing purity and restraint, usually associated with refraining from sexual activity outside of marriage. She took a vow of chastity as part of her religious devotion The knight was known for his chastity and honor
abstinence	Refers to the deliberate avoidance of certain activities or substances, including but not limited to sexual activity. Often used in health or addiction contexts. Abstinence from alcohol can significantly improve your health They practice abstinence to prevent unwanted pregnancies
purity	Refers to the quality of being pure and can be used in both physical and moral contexts. Often has a broader meaning than just sexual purity. They admire her purity and kindness The water here is renowned for its purity

Examples of usage

Many priests and nuns take a vow of celibacy as part of their dedication to God.
In some cultures, celibacy is seen as a way to achieve spiritual purity.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

personal choice

The state of abstaining from sexual activity or being unmarried.

Synonyms

abstinence, self-restraint, singleness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
celibacy	Refers to the state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, often for religious reasons. It's commonly used when referring to religious vows or long-term commitments. The monk has taken a vow of celibacy
abstinence	Relates to refraining from certain pleasurable activities, commonly alcohol or sexual activity, often for health or religious reasons. It is more broadly used compared to celibacy. Her abstinence from alcohol helped improve her health
singleness	Describes the state of being unmarried or not in a romantic relationship. Unlike celibacy, it doesn't imply a commitment to abstain from sexual relations. She enjoys her singleness and freedom
self-restraint	Pertains to controlling one's actions or feelings, often in the face of temptation. This term is more general than abstinence or celibacy and can refer to any form of self-control. He showed great self-restraint by not responding to the insult

Examples of usage

Some people choose celibacy as a lifestyle, focusing on personal growth and independence.
Celibacy can be a way to prioritize other aspects of life, such as career or personal goals.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word originated from the Latin 'caelibatus', which means 'unmarried', showing a long history in language.
Throughout history, various religions have encouraged celibacy as a way to focus on spirituality and personal growth.

Cultural Perspectives

In many Eastern spiritual traditions, celibacy is viewed as a path to enlightenment and self-realization.
Some cultures have special rituals or practices to honor individuals who choose celibacy, integrating it into their social fabric.

Psychological Aspects

Choosing celibacy can be motivated by personal goals, like dedicating time to education or career advancement.
Research shows that some people find emotional wellness in celibacy, as it can lead to more time for self-reflection.

Religious Practices

Many monks and nuns take vows of celibacy as part of their commitment to religious life and their community.
In the Catholic Church, celibacy is required of priests, which emphasizes the importance of their spiritual devotion.

Modern Context

In contemporary discussions, celibacy is sometimes explored in the context of personal empowerment and independence.
Some individuals adopt celibacy as a lifestyle choice to focus on personal fulfillment or health, rather than societal expectations.

Translations

Translations of the word "celibacy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 celibato

🇮🇳 ब्रह्मचर्य (Brahmacharya)

🇩🇪 Zölibat

🇮🇩 selibat

🇺🇦 целібат

🇵🇱 celibat

🇯🇵 独身主義 (Dokushin shugi)

🇫🇷 célibat

🇪🇸 celibato

🇹🇷 bekârlık

🇰🇷 독신주의 (Doksinjuui)

🇸🇦 العزوبة (Al-'uzubiyya)

🇨🇿 celibát

🇸🇰 celibát

🇨🇳 独身主义 (Dúshēn zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 celibat

🇮🇸 einlífi

🇰🇿 бойдақтық

🇬🇪 ცელიბატი (tselibati)

🇦🇿 subaylıq

🇲🇽 celibato

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,476, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19473 pantomime
19474 preset
19475 unfulfilled
19476 celibacy
19477 millennia
19478 threading
19479 separators
...