Chastity: meaning, definitions and examples

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chastity

[ˈtʃæstəti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personal values

Chastity is the state of abstaining from sexual activity, especially for religious reasons. It is about maintaining purity and virtue.

Synonyms

abstinence, celibacy, purity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chastity	Primarily used in religious or moral contexts to denote the virtue of refraining from illicit sexual conduct. It often has an emphasis on moral purity. She took a vow of chastity before joining the convent. His commitment to chastity was influenced by his strong religious beliefs.
abstinence	Generally refers to the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, commonly alcohol, food, or sexual activity. It is often used in health or self-discipline contexts. During Lent, many Christians practice abstinence from meat. He has been practicing abstinence from alcohol for the past year.
purity	Broadly refers to the quality of being free from contamination or immorality. While it can pertain to sexual innocence, it is also used in different contexts such as hygiene, moral integrity, and wholesomeness. The purity of the mountain water is unmatched. Her actions were driven by a sense of moral purity.
celibacy	Specifically refers to the state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, usually for religious reasons. It's often associated with clergy or religious vows. The monk took a vow of celibacy upon joining the monastery. Her life of celibacy is dedicated to serving her religious community.

Examples of usage

She took a vow of chastity and never engaged in intimate relationships.
The concept of chastity is important in some cultures and religions.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

In medieval times, chastity referred to the virtue of purity and modesty, particularly in relation to sexuality. It was often associated with the idea of preserving one's virginity.

Synonyms

innocence, modesty, virtue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chastity	Typically used in religious or formal contexts to refer to refraining from sexual activity, often as a moral principle or vow. The monk took a vow of chastity. Chastity is often emphasized in certain spiritual traditions.
modesty	Refers to being humble or having a moderate view of one's abilities. It can also denote dressing or behaving in a way that avoids attracting sexual attention. Her modesty was apparent despite her many accomplishments. She dressed with modesty for the formal event.
virtue	A broad term used to denote moral excellence and righteousness. Often used to refer to qualities like honesty, courage, and kindness. Patience is a virtue. He was admired for his many virtues, including honesty and kindness.
innocence	Used to describe someone who is free from guilt or sin, often with a connotation of naivety or lack of experience. Can be used in both legal and everyday contexts. The child's innocence was evident in his cheerful demeanor. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

Examples of usage

Knights were expected to uphold the code of chivalry, which included principles of chastity.
Chastity belts were sometimes used in the past to ensure a woman's fidelity.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'castitas', which means purity.
In ancient cultures, chastity was often linked to moral and social status, especially for women.
Various religious texts, including the Bible, promote chastity as a virtue, emphasizing its importance in moral living.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, chastity is celebrated and seen as a sign of honor and virtue, especially during marriage rituals.
Different religions have specific teachings about chastity, influencing how individuals view relationships and sexuality.
The concept varies globally; in some societies, it is stricter, while others may have more liberal views on sexual freedom.

Pop Culture

Chastity is often depicted in literature and films as a noble trait, sometimes associated with characters facing moral dilemmas.
Movies sometimes portray the conflict between desire and chastity, creating tension in romance and drama.
Songs and poetry frequently explore themes of chastity, often contrasting it with the excitement of forbidden love.

Psychology

Research shows that individuals practicing chastity for personal reasons often report a stronger sense of self-control and personal integrity.
The choice for chastity can be influenced by upbringing, personal beliefs, and societal expectations, affecting emotional well-being.
Psychologists explore the implications of chastity on relationships, noting its impact on intimacy and personal connection.

Social Movements

In the 20th century, chastity was promoted by various movements advocating for abstinence, particularly among youth.
There are groups that actively encourage young people to commit to chastity until marriage, reflecting values of restraint.
Discussions around chastity have evolved, with modern views encouraging open dialogues about sexuality and personal choice.

Translations

Translations of the word "chastity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 castidade

🇮🇳 पवित्रता

🇩🇪 Keuschheit

🇮🇩 kesucian

🇺🇦 цнотливість

🇵🇱 czystość

🇯🇵 貞潔 (ていけつ)

🇫🇷 chasteté

🇪🇸 castidad

🇹🇷 iffet

🇰🇷 정절 (정조)

🇸🇦 العفة

🇨🇿 cudnost

🇸🇰 cudnosť

🇨🇳 贞洁 (zhēnjié)

🇸🇮 čistost

🇮🇸 skírlífi

🇰🇿 пәктік

🇬🇪 სიწმინდე

🇦🇿 iffət

🇲🇽 castidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,268, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15265 rapture
15266 thrusting
15267 flagrant
15268 chastity
15269 denominational
15270 arrayed
15271 ionized
...