holy

This word carries a weight of profound reverence and purity, often implying a separation from the mundane or the profane. It suggests a state of being set apart for a divine purpose, evoking an atmosphere of stillness, awe, and spiritual cleanliness. In a non-religious sense, it is used to describe something treated with extreme respect or regarded as inviolable. When someone speaks of a holy cow or a holy tradition, they are signaling that the subject is beyond criticism or change, regardless of whether a god is actually involved.