Inviolate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inviolate

[ɪnˈvaɪ.ə.lət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

moral principles

Inviolate refers to something that is untouched, unbroken, or not violated. It often describes sacred or important principles that must be preserved or respected, indicating a sense of purity or integrity.

Synonyms

sacred, unbroken, untouched, unviolated.

Examples of usage

  • The rights of every individual are considered inviolate.
  • The Constitution should remain inviolate to protect democracy.
  • They vowed to keep the trust inviolate despite challenges.
Context #2 | Adjective

personal privacy

Inviolate can also refer to something that is personal and should not be intruded upon, such as an individual's private life or space.

Synonyms

inviolable, sacrosanct, untouchable.

Examples of usage

  • Her personal boundaries are to remain inviolate.
  • Every person's thoughts should be kept inviolate.
  • He respected her inviolate solitude.

Translations

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Origin of 'inviolate'

The term 'inviolate' has its origins in Latin, derived from 'inviolatus', which means 'not violated'. This Latin term is formed from 'in-', a prefix meaning 'not', and 'violatus', the past participle of 'violare', which means 'to violate'. The earliest recorded use of 'inviolate' in English dates back to the late 14th century, where it was used to describe something that was undisturbed or intact. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass moral and ethical contexts, emphasizing the importance of preserving sacred values and personal privacy. The word has oftentimes been invoked in discussions pertaining to rights, integrity, and inviolability in legal frameworks, reinforcing the idea that certain principles and spaces must always be protected from infractions.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,512, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.