Sanctity: meaning, definitions and examples

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sanctity

[ˈsaŋktɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

spiritual purity

The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly.

Synonyms

holiness, sacredness, saintliness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sanctity	Used to describe something of utmost importance that is treated with respect or reverence, often associated with religious or moral implications. The sanctity of human life is a principle that many societies uphold. He spoke about the sanctity of marriage during the ceremony.
holiness	Typically refers to someone or something that is sacred, divine, or godly, often used in a religious context. Pilgrims traveled to the holy city to experience its revered holiness. The priest is known for his holiness and dedication to his faith.
sacredness	Implies being dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity, often associated with places, objects, or ceremonies. Many cultural artifacts hold a sacredness that must be respected. The sacredness of the temple grounds prohibits any form of disrespect.
saintliness	Describes the quality of being very holy, virtuous, or morally good, usually in reference to individuals known for their piety and moral integrity. Her saintliness was evident in her charitable deeds and kind nature. He was venerated for his saintliness and unwavering faith.

Examples of usage

The sanctity of the temple must be preserved.
His actions were motivated by a deep respect for the sanctity of life.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

moral integrity

The quality of being morally pure or virtuous.

Synonyms

integrity, morality, virtue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sanctity	This word is used when referring to something that is considered holy or sacred, often in a religious or highly respected context. The sanctity of the ancient temple must be preserved. She believes in the sanctity of human life.
morality	Morality refers to principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. It is often used in discussions about ethics and personal values. Her sense of morality guided her choices. The novel explores the morality of the characters.
virtue	Virtue describes a trait or quality deemed to be morally good and is valued as a foundation of good moral being. It often relates to personal character. Patience is a virtue. He was praised for his virtue and kindness.
integrity	This term is best used to describe someone who is honest and has strong moral principles. It can also refer to the state of being whole and undivided. He is a man of great integrity; he always tells the truth. Maintaining integrity in the data is essential for accurate research.

Examples of usage

She believed in the sanctity of marriage.
The sanctity of his word was unquestionable.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

invulnerability

The quality of being inviolable or immune from harm or desecration.

Synonyms

inviolability, invulnerability, safety.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sanctity	Used to describe something that is considered holy, sacred, or of utmost importance. The sanctity of the church must be preserved They believe in the sanctity of human life
inviolability	Refers to the quality of not being violated or dishonored; often used in legal or formal contexts regarding protection from harm or infringement. The inviolability of diplomatic pouches is recognized in international law The inviolability of private property is a fundamental right
invulnerability	Describes a state of being immune to injury or damage; often used in contexts related to physical or emotional toughness. The superhero's invulnerability made him a formidable opponent Her emotional invulnerability allowed her to handle criticism well
safety	Commonly used to refer to the condition of being protected from harm or danger; used in everyday and casual contexts. The safety of our children is our top priority Ensure the safety of your passwords to protect your information

Examples of usage

The soldiers were tasked with protecting the sanctity of the borders.
The sanctity of the treaty must be upheld.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word traces back to the Latin term 'sanctitas', which means 'holiness'.
In the Middle Ages, it often referred to the sacredness of religious sites and objects.
The root 'sancire' in Latin means 'to make sacred' or 'to consecrate'.

Religion

Many religions emphasize the sanctity of life, considering it a gift from a higher power.
Rituals and practices are often aimed at preserving sanctity, including prayer and offerings.
In some traditions, places of worship are deemed sacred, representing a direct connection between humanity and the divine.

Philosophy

In moral philosophy, the sanctity of human life is a core principle debated in ethics.
Philosophers explore the implications of sanctity, often contrasting it with concepts of autonomy and freedom.
The sanctity of personal relationships is examined in terms of trust, commitment, and respect.

Literature

The concept has appeared in various literary works, exploring themes of holiness and moral dilemmas.
Authors often use sanctity to challenge characters’ beliefs and decisions, leading to deeper moral questions.
Sanctity is also portrayed in fiction to evoke emotions about what should be protected in society.

Cultural Practices

Certain rituals, like weddings or funerals, emphasize the sanctity of relationships and transitions in life.
Cultural traditions may involve practices to honor sacred objects or spaces, highlighting their importance.
In some cultures, the concept of 'sanctity' extends to nature, advocating for the protection of the environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "sanctity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 santidade

🇮🇳 पवित्रता

🇩🇪 Heiligkeit

🇮🇩 kekudusan

🇺🇦 святість

🇵🇱 świętość

🇯🇵 神聖

🇫🇷 sainteté

🇪🇸 santidad

🇹🇷 kutsallık

🇰🇷 신성

🇸🇦 قداسة

🇨🇿 svatost

🇸🇰 svätosť

🇨🇳 神圣

🇸🇮 svetost

🇮🇸 heilagleiki

🇰🇿 қасиеттілік

🇬🇪 სიწმინდე

🇦🇿 müqəddəslik

🇲🇽 santidad

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,515, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12512 transcendental
12513 stale
12514 malpractice
12515 sanctity
12516 seminary
12517 compliments
12518 tectonic
...