Sacrosanctly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sacrosanctly

[ˌsækrəˈsæŋktli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

religious significance

Sacrosanctly refers to something that is regarded as sacred and inviolable, often in a religious or moral context. It suggests that certain beliefs, practices, or objects deserve special respect and protection against violation or desecration.

Synonyms

divinely, inviolably, sacredly.

Examples of usage

  • The tradition was sacrosanctly upheld by the community.
  • Many beliefs are sacrosanctly treated in their respective cultures.
  • His rights were sacrosanctly protected by law.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • In many cultures, certain traditions and beliefs are treated sacrosanctly, reflecting deep respect and reverence.
  • Some people believe that ethics and moral principles should be regarded sacrosanctly in any society.
  • The concept often appears in debates about freedom of expression, where some ideas are considered untouchable.

Religion

  • In Christianity, the sacredness of certain rituals, like communion, is often viewed as sacrosanct to the faith.
  • Many Indigenous cultures have sacred sites that are preserved sacrosanctly, prohibiting any form of development or disturbance.
  • Ceremonies and texts in religions are frequently considered sacrosanct, influencing how practitioners interact with them.

Politics

  • In political discussions, national sovereignty is often treated sacrosanctly by various nations.
  • Some laws are viewed as sacrosanct, meaning they should not be altered or challenged easily.
  • Constitutional rights are commonly regarded as sacrosanct in democracies, emphasizing their foundational importance.

Literature

  • In literature, themes of the sacrosanct often explore the conflict between tradition and change.
  • Characters may have beliefs or values that they treat sacrosanctly, leading to significant personal dilemmas.
  • Famous literary works frequently reflect on what society deems sacrosanct, questioning the status quo.

Origin of 'sacrosanctly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sacrosanctus,' meaning 'sacred and inviolable.'
  • In ancient times, certain places and objects, considered sacrosanct, were thought to be protected by divine authority.
  • The prefix 'sacro-' relates to 'sacred,' indicating a strong connection to religious or holy significance.

The word 'sacrosanctly' is derived from the Latin 'sacrosanctus', which means 'sacred' or 'inviolable', and is a combination of the prefix 'sacro-', meaning 'sacred', and 'sanctus', meaning 'holy' or 'sanctified'. The Latin term was used in legal and religious texts to denote something that was too important or revered to be violated or interfered with. The evolution of its usage in the English language can be traced back to the early 17th century when it was adopted into scholarly and religious discourse. Over time, 'sacrosanct' and its adverb form 'sacrosanctly' came to embody not just sacredness in a spiritual or religious sense but also in cultural and personal contexts, indicating that certain values, beliefs, and rights are fundamentally protected from challenge or change.