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Hallowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hallowed

[ˈhæl.oʊd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

religious significance

The term 'hallowed' refers to something that is greatly revered and respected, often in a religious context. It describes places, objects, or concepts that are considered sacred or holy. The word invokes a sense of veneration and sanctity, suggesting that the entity in question has been consecrated or blessed. 'Hallowed' is often used in combination with other words, such as in the phrase 'hallowed ground', which denotes a place that is treated with great honor due to historical or spiritual significance.

Synonyms

blessed, consecrated, holy, sacred.

Examples of usage

  • They built a church on hallowed ground.
  • The hallowed halls of the university have seen many great minds.
  • This tradition hallowed by centuries of practice must be upheld.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • The term is often linked to religious ceremonies, such as hallowed ground, which is a place recognized for its sacredness.
  • In literature, 'hallowed' frequently appears in hymns and poetry to evoke a sense of solemnity and deep respect.
  • The phrase 'hallowed be thy name' from religious texts underscores the idea of honoring the divine.

Literature

  • Shakespeare used 'hallowed' in his works to give a sense of reverence and gravity to characters or themes.
  • In the poem 'The Ballad of Hallowed Ground,' the term conveys the respect for those buried in sacred places.
  • Modern fantasy literature often employs 'hallowed' to describe revered places or legendary heroes.

Religious Context

  • Many cultures and religions have places deemed hallowed, such as temples, churches, or cemeteries, which are respected and sometimes have protective customs.
  • In Christianity, saints are often referred to as hallowed, emphasizing their special status in heaven.
  • The phrase 'hallowed ground' is commonly used to describe battlefields where many have died, honored for their sacrifice.

Pop Culture

  • The term is prevalent in movies and music, often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or reflection on the past.
  • Songs centered around themes of remembrance frequently use 'hallowed' to emphasize deep respect for lost loved ones.
  • In video games, 'hallowed' is sometimes used to define special, revered places that players must protect or honor.

Origin of 'hallowed'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Hallowed' comes from the Old English word 'halgian,' which means to make holy or sacred.
  • The word has roots in Germanic languages, where similar terms refer to consecrating or setting apart.
  • It is related to the word 'holy,' both sharing a common ancestry in denoting reverence.

The word 'hallowed' comes from the Old English 'halgian', meaning 'to make holy' or 'to sanctify'. This term is derived from the root word 'halig', which means 'holy' or 'sacred'. The evolution of the term has historical ties to Christian traditions, where it has often been used in prayers and liturgy to signify reverence towards God and holy entities. Its most notable cultural reference is in the Lord's Prayer, where it is used in the phrase 'hallowed be thy name.' Over the centuries, 'hallowed' has come to symbolize not only religious sanctity but also a broader respect for places and traditions that hold significant meaning within various cultures. The term reflects humanity's ongoing reverence for the divine and the sacred.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,903, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.