Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

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

Noun

1. a sacred place of pilgrimage