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Sacred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sacred

[ˈseɪkrɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

religious

Connected with God or a god or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration.

Synonyms

divine, holy, sacrosanct.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sacred

Used to describe something that is highly valued and respected, often because it is connected to a religion or deeply revered tradition.

  • The church is considered a sacred place.
  • Human rights are viewed as sacred by many people.
holy

Typically used in a religious context to describe something or someone dedicated to the worship or service of God.

  • The Bible is a holy book.
  • She dedicated her life to holy service.
divine

Employed when referring to something that is like, related to, or coming from a god or God. It implies a higher, often heavenly, quality.

  • The artist's performance was divine.
  • They believed the miracle was a sign of divine intervention.
sacrosanct

Used to describe something that is considered too important or valuable to be interfered with. Often used in formal context.

  • Freedom of speech is sacrosanct in our country.
  • The privacy of one's home is regarded as sacrosanct.

Examples of usage

  • The sacred book of Islam is the Quran.
  • The sacred ceremony was performed in the temple.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

Religious rites or ceremonies.

Synonyms

ceremonies, holy rites, rituals.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sacred

Often used to emphasize the importance and inviolability of something, especially in a spiritual or moral sense. This entry repeats to emphasize the point.

  • The treaty was considered sacred and could not be broken.
  • He held their friendship as something sacred.
rituals

Refers to a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order, often in a religious or culturally significant context, but can also apply to non-religious routines.

  • Their morning rituals include meditation and prayer.
  • The ancient rituals were carefully observed by the community.
ceremonies

Refers to formal events held on special occasions, which often include specific rituals and are usually steeped in tradition.

  • Graduation ceremonies will be held in the hall.
  • The wedding ceremonies were beautiful and full of joy.
holy rites

Indicates specific religious practices or ceremonies that are considered especially sacred or significant.

  • The priest performed the holy rites for the deceased.
  • Baptism is one of the holy rites in Christianity.

Examples of usage

  • The tribe performed their sacred rituals under the full moon.
  • He participated in the sacred ceremony as a means of spiritual connection.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

  • Many religions designate specific texts, locations, and rituals as sacred, influencing cultural practices worldwide.
  • The concept of sacred space varies across cultures, encompassing everything from temples to natural sites like mountains and rivers.

Cultural Context

  • In various cultures, objects like totems or artifacts are considered sacred due to their spiritual significance.
  • Rituals and traditions often revolve around sacred elements, promoting community and shared beliefs among people.

Psychological Aspect

  • Feeling something is sacred can instill a sense of peace and connection to something larger than oneself.
  • Research shows that recognizing the sacred in life can enhance well-being, fostering moments of gratitude and reflection.

Literature and Art

  • Sacred themes are prevalent in literature, exploring the bond between humanity and the divine through stories and poetry.
  • Artists often depict sacred subjects to convey powerful emotions and connect viewers to spiritual ideas and practices.

Origin of 'sacred'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sacra', meaning 'sacred things', which reflects its deep historical roots.
  • In ancient languages, similar words often describe items or places set apart for worship or special respect.

The word 'sacred' originated from the Latin word 'sacer', which means 'holy' or 'consecrated'. The concept of sacredness has been present in various religions and belief systems throughout history, emphasizing the importance of reverence, respect, and spiritual significance. The idea of sacredness often involves rituals, symbols, and places that are considered to be imbued with divine or transcendent qualities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,087, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.