Definition of Holy
Quick Meaning of Holy
Sacred and worthy of respect in religion.
Detailed Definition of Holy
Sacred; deserving or inspiring religious reverence.
How to Pronounce Holy
IPA:
/ˈhoʊli/
ho
ly
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Pronounced as /ˈhoʊli/.
How to Use Holy in a Sentence
Each example shows “holy” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Water is considered holy in many religions.”
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“They visited a holy site for pilgrimage.”
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“The holy book is sacred to believers.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Holy
Common Synonyms for Holy
Smart Synonyms for Holy — When to Use Each
- sacred
- deserving religious respect and reverence
- blessed
- favored by divine power or grace
- spiritual
- related to faith and religion
Common Collocations with Holy
These phrases pair with “holy” in everyday English:
- holy water
- holy day
- holy book
Common Mistakes When Using Holy
Even fluent speakers slip up with “holy”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The ceremony was wholly sacred.
- ✓ Correct: The ceremony was holy and sacred.
- Why: 'Holy'=sacred; 'wholly'=completely; different words
- ✗ Wrong: A wholly robe was worn.
- ✓ Correct: A holy robe was worn.
- Why: 'Holy' means sacred; 'wholly' means entirely/completely
Words Confused With Holy
- Holy vs Wholly: holy=sacred; wholly=entirely/completely Compare →
- Holy vs Holey: holy=sacred; holey=full of holes
Frequently Asked Questions About Holy
What is the meaning of "Holy"?
Sacred and worthy of respect in religion.
How do you pronounce "Holy"?
The IPA is /ˈhoʊli/. Pronounced as /ˈhoʊli/.
What part of speech is "Holy"?
"Holy" is an adjective at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Holy"?
Common synonyms include sacred, blessed, spiritual.
How do you use "Holy" in a sentence?
For example: "Water is considered holy in many religions."