holy
word
/ˈhoʊɫi/
HOH-lee
/hˈəʊli/
HOH-lee
Definition
Describes something connected to a god or religion and considered very important or pure. It can also be used informally to express strong feelings.
Usage & Nuances
Primarily used in religious contexts (e.g., holy book, holy city). Informally, 'holy' starts exclamations like 'Holy cow!' to express surprise. Not all things in religion are 'holy'; use for what is especially revered.
Spanish: sagrado - santoPortuguese (BR): sagrado - santoPortuguese (PT): sagrado - santoChinese (Simplified): 神圣的 - 圣洁的Chinese (Traditional): 神聖的 - 神聖Hindi: पवित्र - धार्मिकArabic: مقدس - قديسBengali: পবিত্র - ধর্মীয়Russian: святой - священныйJapanese: 聖なる - 神聖なVietnamese: thiêng liêngKorean: 신성한 - 거룩한Turkish: kutsalUrdu: مقدسIndonesian: suci
Example Sentences
The Bible is a holy book.
basic
Mecca is a holy city for Muslims.
basic
Many people visit the holy temple.
basic
He treated the old scroll as if it were holy.
natural
Wow, that was a holy mess in the kitchen!
natural
People consider water from the river to be holy.
natural