Sacred Meaning

Sacred

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Regarded with reverence and respect, often due to its connection with a deity, religion, or a profound belief.
2. Connected with or dedicated to a religious purpose, such as sacred rituals, texts, or places.
3. Worthy of veneration or reverence due to its importance, significance, or sanctity.
4. Inviolable or immune from desecration or violation, often in a moral or spiritual context.

History and Origin

The word “sacred” comes from the Latin sacer, meaning “holy” or “consecrated,” which is related to the concept of being dedicated to a deity or set apart for divine purposes. In religious contexts, “sacred” refers to something that is treated with the highest respect due to its connection with the divine or spiritual world. The term has been in use since at least the 14th century, often linked to religious practices and the sanctity of religious objects, places, and ceremonies.

Detailed Explanation

“Sacred” is typically used to describe anything that is regarded as holy, divine, or worthy of deep reverence. It is a term often associated with religious contexts, where sacred objects, spaces, and texts are set apart for worship, prayer, or spiritual significance. For example, a sacred temple is a place that is dedicated to the worship of a deity, and sacred texts, such as the Bible or the Quran, are considered to be divinely inspired and authoritative.

Beyond religion, “sacred” can also describe anything that is highly valued or revered in a non-religious context, such as the concept of a “sacred bond” in relationships or “sacred traditions” that hold significant cultural meaning. The idea of something being sacred generally implies that it must be treated with great respect, and in many cultures, sacred objects or spaces are protected from harm, desecration, or misuse.

Example Sentences

1. The temple was a sacred place, where people gathered to pray and meditate.
2. The ancient manuscript was considered sacred, preserved with the utmost care and reverence.
3. For many, family traditions are considered sacred and passed down through generations.
4. The land was regarded as sacred by the indigenous people, a place of spiritual significance.
5. The sacred vow of marriage binds the couple to a life of mutual love and respect.
6. The sacred texts of the religion are taught to the faithful as a guide for living a righteous life.
7. The sacred ceremony was performed with great reverence and solemnity.
8. In some cultures, the river is considered sacred, and people perform rituals to honor it.
9. The sacred music echoed through the hall, inspiring a sense of awe and reverence in the congregation.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Holy – Dedicated or set apart for religious or spiritual purposes, similar to sacred.
2. Consecrated – Made or declared sacred, especially through religious rites.
3. Divine – Related to a god or deity, often conveying the sacredness of a being or object.
4. Sacrosanct – Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with, often in a sacred context.
5. Revered – Treated with deep respect and admiration, often due to its sacred or important nature.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Ritual – A set of prescribed actions, often religious, performed in a sacred context.
2. Sanctuary – A sacred or holy place of refuge or protection, often within a religious context.
3. Blessed – Endowed with divine favor or consecrated, often used in a sacred sense.
4. Veneration – The act of showing deep respect or reverence, particularly for sacred objects or persons.
5. Altar – A platform or structure used in religious rituals, often regarded as a sacred space.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Consecration – The act of declaring something sacred, often through religious ceremonies.
2. Devotion – Deep love, loyalty, or reverence, especially in a religious or sacred context.
3. Pilgrimage – A journey to a sacred place, often for religious purposes.
4. Sanctify – To make something holy or sacred, often through ritual or divine intervention.
5. Temple – A building or space dedicated to religious worship, often considered sacred.

Antonyms

1. Profane
2. Desecrated
3. Secular
4. Worldly
5. Irreverent