Hallow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hallow

[หˆhalษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a religious context

To make holy; to sanctify; to consecrate.

Synonyms

bless, consecrate, sanctify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hallow

This word often has a formal or old-fashioned tone. It's typically used in religious or solemn contexts to mean making something holy.

  • The church grounds are hallowed by centuries of prayer.
  • They hallowed the site where the hero fell in battle.
bless

This word can be used in both religious and everyday contexts to express approval, good wishes, or to invoke divine favor.

  • The priest will bless the newborn during the baptism ceremony.
  • Bless you for helping me with this task.
consecrate

This word has a formal and religious tone. It is used specifically in rituals to declare something sacred, especially in relation to space, objects, or people dedicated to God.

  • The bishop will consecrate the new cathedral next Sunday.
  • They consecrated the altar with holy oil.
sanctify

Common in formal and religious contexts, it means to make something holy or set apart for sacred use. It can also imply purification or making something morally pure.

  • The water was sanctified for use in the ritual.
  • The minister prayed to sanctify the union of the couple.

Examples of usage

  • Each year, the priest would hallow the church with a special ceremony.
  • The ritual was performed to hallow the sacred ground.
Context #2 | Noun

old English

A saint or holy person.

Synonyms

holy person, saint.

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Word Description / Examples
hallow

This word is generally used in a religious or ceremonial sense. It means to honor something as holy or sacred.

  • The church was hallowed by a special ceremony.
  • They hallow this ground where many battles were fought.

Examples of usage

  • The hallow was revered by the villagers for his miracles and wisdom.
  • The local church was named after a famous hallow.

Translations

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Origin of 'hallow'

The word 'hallow' originates from Old English 'hฤlig', meaning 'holy, consecrated'. It has its roots in Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, reflecting the ancient concept of sacredness and holiness. Over time, 'hallow' evolved to encompass both the verb form of sanctifying and the noun form of a holy individual. The term gained prominence in religious contexts, particularly in Christian traditions, where it is associated with consecration and veneration of saints. Today, 'hallow' retains a sense of reverence and sanctity, preserving its ancient connections to the divine and the sacred.


See also: hallowing.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,680 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.