Holy
ˈhəʊli
Definitions
2 meaningsDedicated to God or a religious purpose; sacred.
ˈhəʊli
Dedicated to God or a sacred purpose
The church is considered a holy place.
💡 Simply: Imagine a place or object that's special and connected to something like religion or a higher power, like a sacred church or a special book. When something's holy, it's treated with respect and considered important.
👶 For kids: Something that is holy is very, very special and connected to God or something like that.
More Examples
He took a vow to lead a holy life.
This is holy ground. Please be respectful.
How It's Used
"The holy scriptures are revered by believers."
"The holy grail is a symbol of a divine quest."
Morally and spiritually pure; righteous.
ˈhəʊli
Morally and spiritually pure
The priest spoke about living a holy life.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's super good and always does the right thing. If they're living a holy life, they're being moral and following their spiritual rules.
👶 For kids: When someone is holy, they're like a superhero who always does the right thing and is super good!
More Examples
She dedicated herself to holy causes.
They sought to create a holy union.
How It's Used
"Living a holy life requires dedication and adherence to moral principles."
Idioms & expressions
Holy Grail
An object or goal that is extremely desirable or hard to achieve.
"The Holy Grail of the pharmaceutical industry is finding a cure for cancer."
Holy war
A war fought for religious purposes or as a religious duty.
"The Crusades were a series of holy wars fought in the Middle Ages."
From Old English *hālig*, related to *hāl* ('whole, healthy'). Originally signified 'sacred, dedicated to God'.
Used extensively in religious texts and literature throughout history.
Memory tip
Think of the 'whole' spirit—something pure and set apart.