sacred
SAY-krid
/ˈseɪ.krɪd/
Connected with God or a higher power; dedicated to a religious purpose and deserving veneration.
Implies set apart from everyday secular life; can also describe deeply held inviolable principles (e.g., 'sacred trust').
The story behind the word. From Old French 'sacrer' (to consecrate), from Latin 'sacrare', derived from 'sacer' (holy, consecrated to a deity).
Word relationships
- holy: 'Holy' often implies intrinsic spiritual purity, while 'sacred' highlights being set apart or consecrated for divine use.
- consecrated: 'Consecrated' specifically implies a formal ritual act made it holy.
- profane: Secular, common, or irreverent; explicitly non-sacred.
- secular: Not connected with religious or spiritual matters.
Commonly confused with
- scared: Scared means fearful; sacred means holy.
Word family
- sacredness (noun): The quality of being sacred.
- sacredly (adverb): In a sacred manner.
Collocations
- sacred text
- sacred ground
- sacred duty
- sacred trust
Idioms & expressions
- sacred cow
Example sentences
- "Monks preserved the sacred texts in isolated mountain monasteries for centuries." Anthropology
- "In democratic society, the right to vote is viewed as a sacred duty." Ethics
Memory hook
SACRED objects are kept in a SAFE or CONSECRATED place. Set apart for holy reverence.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'scared' (frightened)—a frequent typographical error.
Fun facts
- The idiom 'sacred cow' comes from the veneration of cows in Hinduism, where they are protected from harm.
Explore more words
sacrosanct, consecrate, hallowed, secular, reverence, veneration
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