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sacred

holy / venerated
Adjective
comp: more sacredsup: most sacred

Carries a weight of absolute inviolability. It describes things that are not just 'important,' but set apart from the ordinary or profane world. When used religiously, it implies a direct connection to the divine. In secular contexts, it denotes a boundary that must never be crossed. Calling a promise or a principle "sacred" suggests that breaking it would be an act of betrayal or a moral failure rather than a simple mistake. Compared to "holy," which often focuses on purity and spiritual light, "sacred" emphasizes the status of being protected, forbidden from common use, and deserving of deep awe.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon; Victoria is in a high-stakes board meeting while Mr. Sterling is at his private spa.
Mr. Sterling

Victoria, my nap time is sacred. Please hold off on the quarterly report.

Mr. Sterling
Victoria
Victoria

The board is literally breathing down my neck. Wake up.

💡
Mr. Sterling uses 'sacred' in the second sense of the definition (not to be violated/highly respected) to describe his nap, highlighting his eccentricity. Victoria uses the idiom 'breathing down my neck', meaning someone is monitoring her closely and putting pressure on her to perform.

Meanings

Adjectiveholy

Dedicated to a religious purpose and deserving veneration.

"The cow is considered a sacred animal in some cultures."

Adjectivevenerated

Regarded with great respect and reverence; not to be violated.

"To many, the right to free speech is a sacred principle."

Related Words

Last Updated: June 9, 2026Report an Error