Vestal: meaning, definitions and examples

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vestal

 

[ ˈvɛstəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

religious context

The term 'vestal' refers to something related to the Vestal Virgins, priestesses of the Roman goddess Vesta. They were responsible for maintaining the sacred fire in Vesta's temple and were sworn to celibacy.

Synonyms

chaste, pure, virtuous

Examples of usage

  • The vestal fire burned continuously in the temple.
  • Her vestal duties include keeping the flame alive.
  • Vestal Virgins were revered in ancient Rome.
Context #2 | Noun

historical role

A 'vestal' can also refer specifically to a member of the Vestal Virgins in ancient Rome. These women held a significant place in society, as their role was considered vital to the welfare of the city.

Synonyms

priestess, virgin

Examples of usage

  • She aspired to become a vestal.
  • The vestals were chosen at a young age.
  • Historically, vestals had immense respect in Rome.

Translations

Translations of the word "vestal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vestal

🇮🇳 वेस्‍टाल

🇩🇪 Vestal

🇮🇩 vestal

🇺🇦 вестал

🇵🇱 westalka

🇯🇵 ウェスタル

🇫🇷 vestale

🇪🇸 vestal

🇹🇷 vestal

🇰🇷 베스탈

🇸🇦 فستال

🇨🇿 vestál

🇸🇰 vestál

🇨🇳 女祭司

🇸🇮 vestalka

🇮🇸 vestal

🇰🇿 вестал

🇬🇪 ვენსტალი

🇦🇿 vestal

🇲🇽 vestal

Etymology

The word 'vestal' originates from the Latin 'vestalis', meaning 'of Vesta'. Vesta was the Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family, and her worshippers, the Vestal Virgins, were integral to maintaining the sacred flame which symbolized the city's eternal life. The Vestals arrived in Roman culture as the traditions surrounding them were influenced by earlier Hellenistic religious practices, emphasizing purity and the divine femininity often associated with domestic life. The importance placed on the Vestals underscores how intertwined religion was with daily life in ancient Rome, where these women could hold significant power and privileges, including property rights, despite their vows of chastity. Over time, the concept of 'vestal' has evolved to denote a state of purity and chastity beyond its literal reference to Roman priestesses.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,106 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.