holy

/ˈhəʊli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhəʊli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhō-lē/ (ame, mw)

holy — adjective

  • holypositive
  • holiercomparative
  • holiestsuperlative

1. Connected to a god or a religion, especially through the practices, places, writ

1.形容詞A2
釋義

Connected to a god or a religion, especially through the practices, places, writings, or ceremonies that people treat with great respect.

例句

Andrei carried a small holy book with him on his journey.

attributive use: holy + noun

The church stands on holy ground where people have worshipped for centuries.

relative clause with where

同義詞
  • sacred

    More common for objects, places, or promises that people treat with deep respect; 'holy' is broader, covering people and writings too.

  • divine

    Refers directly to God or a god ('divine power'), while 'holy' can describe things humans do or make (a holy book).

  • blessed

    Emphasises that something has received God's favour or protection, whereas 'holy' focuses on the thing's link to God.

反義詞
  • unholy

    The direct opposite; describes something that goes against religious teachings.

  • profane

    Describes words or actions that show disrespect toward religious things; more formal than 'unholy'.

文法句型

holy + noun

be + holy

用法筆記

Often used before a noun (attributive position) to name things belonging to a religion: holy book, holy water, holy day, holy ground. Also used after linking verbs: 'The ground was holy.'

常見錯誤

❌She has a holy job as a teacher at the school.
✅She does meaningful work as a teacher.
💡'holy' describes a connection to God or religion, not just any important or meaningful work.

2. Describing a person who follows religious teachings very strictly in their every

2.形容詞B1
釋義

Describing a person who follows religious teachings very strictly in their everyday actions, or describing the morally pure qualities that such a person shows.

例句

Grandmother led a holy life, helping the poor every day of the week.

collocation: holy life

Wren was seen as a holy person because of her quiet kindness and honesty.

passive: was seen as a holy person

同義詞
  • devout

    Focuses on steady religious practice and belief; 'holy' adds the idea of moral purity.

  • pious

    Similar meaning but can carry a negative tone of showing off one's religion; 'holy' is more neutral.

  • saintly

    Suggests a person is as good as a saint; a stronger and less common word than 'holy'.

反義詞
  • sinful

    Describes actions or people that go against religious moral rules.

  • corrupt

    Focuses on dishonesty or moral decay rather than religious failure.

文法句型

holy + noun (person/life)

be + holy

用法筆記

Frequently used to describe people or their way of life; less commonly applied to objects. Distinguish from sense 1, which describes things directly connected to God or religion (holy book, holy city).

常見錯誤

❌My classmate is very holy because she goes to church every Sunday.
✅My classmate is very devout because she goes to church every Sunday.
💡'holy' implies an exceptionally pure character, not just regular religious attendance.