holy

/'houli/

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Word: Holy

Part of Speech: Adjective (and can also be a noun)

Basic Meaning:

The word "holy" means something that is very special, pure, and connected to a divine power or religion. It often describes things that are respected and treated with care because they relate to God or a higher spiritual truth.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "holy" to describe places, objects, or people that have religious significance.
• It can also be used more generally to describe something that is very important or sacred to someone.

Examples:

1. Adjective Usage:

   • "The holy book is read by many people around the world."
   • "They visited a holy temple during their vacation."

2. Noun Usage:

   • "The pilgrims traveled to the holy of holies, a sacred place in their religion."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or discussions about spirituality, "holy" can be used to describe qualities of purity or righteousness, such as in the phrase "holy matrimony," which refers to the sacred nature of marriage.

Word Variants:

• Holiness (noun): The quality of being holy.
  • Example: "The holiness of the place made everyone feel peaceful."
• Holier (comparative adjective): More holy than something else.
  • Example: "He believes his actions are holier than those of others."
• Holiest (superlative adjective): The most holy.
  • Example: "This site is considered the holiest place for the followers of that faith."

Different Meanings:

1. Religious Context: As described above, it relates to sacredness and divinity.
2. Figurative Usage: It can also describe something that is very important or revered in a non-religious context, such as "a holy promise."

Synonyms:

• Sacred
• Divine
• Blessed
• Consecrated
• Sanctified

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Holy cow!: An expression of surprise or astonishment.
  • Example: "Holy cow! I can’t believe how much it costs!"
• Holy grail: Refers to something highly sought after, often with a sense of unattainability.
  • Example: "Finding a cure for cancer is considered the holy grail of medical research."

Summary:

"Holy" is a word that conveys a sense of sacredness and importance, often linked to religion but also used in broader contexts.

Academic

Adjective

1. belonging to or derived from or associated with a divine power

Noun

1. a sacred place of pilgrimage

Synonyms

• holy place
• sanctum