Holiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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holiness
[หhษสlinษs ]
Definitions
religious
The state or quality of being holy; sanctity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| holiness |
Usually refers to the state of being holy, often in a religious context. It can describe the sacred nature of a person or thing.
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| sanctity |
Refers to the quality of being holy or sacred. It can describe sacredness or inviolability, often used more formally or in writing.
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| piety |
Refers to strong religious belief or behaving in a highly moral and religious way. It usually describes a person's conduct and devotion.
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| divinity |
Refers to the quality of being divine or god-like. It's often used to describe gods, deities, or the divine nature of things.
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Examples of usage
- Holiness is an essential attribute of God.
- The holiness of the place filled the worshipers with awe.
general
The quality of being morally and spiritually excellent.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| holiness |
Used mainly in religious or spiritual conversations to refer to the state of being holy or sacred.
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| virtue |
Often appears in philosophical or moral discussions to denote commendable qualities or moral excellence.
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| goodness |
Common in everyday language to describe the quality of being good, kind, and morally excellent.
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| purity |
Typically refers to being free of any contamination or impurity, often used in physical or moral contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She was admired for her holiness and devotion to helping others.
- The holiness of his character shone through in everything he did.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religious Significance
- Many religions express holiness through sacred texts, rituals, and acts of worship, elevating them to special status.
- In Christianity, holiness is often associated with God, whose nature is considered perfectly good.
- Hinduism views certain places and beings as holy, with pilgrimages undertaken to achieve spiritual purification.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, objects can be holyโlike the Torah in Judaism or the Quran in Islamโsometimes treated with great reverence.
- Festivals and ceremonies often celebrate holiness, such as Diwali in Hinduism, marking the victory of light over darkness.
- Art from different cultures often depicts moments of holiness, reflecting the significance of the sacred in human life.
Psychological Aspects
- Experiencing holiness can evoke feelings of awe, often leading individuals to reflect on their values and beliefs.
- Research shows that moments of feeling connected to something holy can enhance well-being and a sense of purpose.
- Individuals might seek aspects of holiness to escape everyday stress or desire a deeper connection with the universe.
Literature and Philosophy
- Philosophers have debated the nature of holiness, questioning what makes something holy and its implications for human life.
- Literature often explores themes of holiness through characters who fight for justice or seek redemption.
- Notable works, such as Dostoevsky's 'The Brothers Karamazov,' delve into the moral implications of holiness in society.
Origin of 'holiness'
Main points about word origin
- The word traces back to Old English 'hฤlig,' which means 'whole' or 'entire,' suggesting a complete goodness.
- Related words in other languages, like 'sacred,' also connect to a sense of being set apart for special purposes.
- In many traditions, the concept of holiness has deep ties to ideas of purity and cleanliness.
The word 'holiness' originated from the Old English word 'hฤlignes', which means sacredness or sanctity. It has been used in religious contexts to describe the state of being holy or morally upright. The concept of holiness is prevalent in various religions and spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of purity and divine connection.
See also: holily, holy, unholiness, unholy.