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Holier: meaning, definitions and examples

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holier

 

[ ˈhoʊliər ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

religious connotation

The term 'holier' refers to something or someone that possesses a greater degree of holiness than another. It is often used to describe individuals, behaviors, or beliefs that are considered more virtuous, pious, or sanctified in a religious context. In many faiths, holiness denotes a state of being dedicated or consecrated to God or a deity, and thus being 'holier' suggests a closer alignment with divine attributes. This comparative form is commonly used in discussions related to morality, spirituality, and ethical standards.

Synonyms

more pious, more righteous, more virtuous

Examples of usage

  • She felt holier than her peers after attending the retreat.
  • The church claimed to be holier than surrounding places of worship.
  • His actions made him appear holier in the eyes of his community.

Translations

Translations of the word "holier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais sagrado

🇮🇳 ज्यादा पवित्र

🇩🇪 heiligere

🇮🇩 lebih suci

🇺🇦 святіший

🇵🇱 bardziej święty

🇯🇵 より聖なる

🇫🇷 plus saint

🇪🇸 más santo

🇹🇷 daha kutsal

🇰🇷 더 거룩한

🇸🇦 أكثر قداسة

🇨🇿 svatější

🇸🇰 svätejší

🇨🇳 更神圣的

🇸🇮 bolj svet

🇮🇸 helgar

🇰🇿 одан да қасиетті

🇬🇪 მეტად წმინდა

🇦🇿 daha müqəddəs

🇲🇽 más sagrado

Word origin

The word 'holier' is derived from the Old English word 'halig', which means 'whole' or 'healthy'. This term evolved over centuries through Middle English as 'holi' and eventually took on its modern form. The suffix '-er' is used to create the comparative form of adjectives in English, indicating a greater degree of the descriptor. The concept of holiness has deep roots in various religious traditions, symbolizing purity, moral integrity, and a state of being devoted to a higher power. The usage of 'holier' reflects a comparison often criticized in theological discussions, as it can lead to judgments about moral superiority or piety among individuals or groups, which can be contentious topics within religious communities.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,906, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.