holy
/'houli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Belonging to or associated with a divine power; sacred: "Holy" describes something that is dedicated to or connected with God or a god, and is therefore worthy of deep religious respect and veneration.
- Morally and spiritually excellent; pure: "Holy" can also describe a person who is devoutly religious, virtuous, or dedicated to a religious life.
Noun:
- A sacred place of pilgrimage: In specific contexts, "holy" can refer to a location considered sacred, such as a shrine or temple, that is a destination for religious journeys.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The Bible is considered a holy book by Christians.
- They traveled to the holy city of Jerusalem.
- She is known for her holy life and good deeds.
Noun:
- The pilgrims journeyed to the holy to seek blessings. (This usage is less common and often appears in formal or historical contexts.)
Advanced Usage
"The Holy of Holies": the innermost and most sacred part of a place of worship.
- In the ancient temple, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies.
"Holy orders": the sacrament or rite of ordination as a member of the clergy in certain Christian churches.
- He took holy orders and became a priest.
Variants and Related Words
Holiness (n): the state or quality of being holy.
- The holiness of the site was palpable.
Unholy (adj): not holy; sinful or wicked. (This is the direct antonym).
- It was an unholy alliance between rival gangs.
Synonyms
- Sacred: connected with God or a god and deserving veneration.
- Divine: of, from, or like God or a god.
- Blessed: made holy; consecrated.
Related Phrases and Idioms
Holy cow!: an exclamation of surprise or astonishment.
- Holy cow! I can't believe we won!
Holy moly!: another exclamation expressing great surprise.
- Holy moly! Look at the size of that cake!
A holy terror: a person, especially a child, who is very badly behaved or difficult to control.
- Her toddler is a holy terror in supermarkets.
Holy smoke!: an old-fashioned exclamation of surprise.
- Holy smoke! Is that really you?
Adjective
- belonging to or derived from or associated with a divine power
Noun
- a sacred place of pilgrimage