holy etymology

Etymology

The word "holy" originates from the Old English word "hālġ," which means "sacred, dedicated to a deity." It is cognate with the Old Norse word "heilagr," the Old High German word "heilag," the Gothic word "hailags," and the Proto-Germanic word "*hailagaz."

Meaning and Origin

In its original sense, "holy" referred to something that was set apart for religious purposes or dedicated to a god or gods. It carried the connotation of being sacred, inviolable, and protected by divine power.

Over time, the meaning of "holy" has expanded to include a broader range of concepts, including:

• Sacredness: Something that is revered or worshipped as having a special connection to the divine.
• Devotion: Deep reverence or commitment to a religious belief or practice.
• Purity: Free from moral or spiritual taint or corruption.
• Consecrated: Dedicated or set apart for a religious purpose.
• Righteous: Conforming to moral and religious principles.
• Miraculous: Occurring as a result of divine intervention or power.

The notion of holiness is common to many religions and spiritual traditions. In Christianity, for example, holiness is associated with the attributes of God (e.g., His perfection, righteousness, and love) and is a quality that believers strive to emulate.

In conclusion, the word "holy" has an ancient and complex etymology, rooted in the concept of sacredness and dedication. It continues to be used today to describe a wide range of concepts related to religion, spirituality, and ethical conduct.

holy relate terms

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• halibut

  Etymology The word halibut is derived from the Old English word halibut which is it

• holy

  Etymology The word holy originates from the Old English word hālġ which means sac

• holiday

  Etymology The word holiday originates from the Old English term hālīgdæg which me

• sanctum

  Etymology Latin sanctum meaning holy place or shrine Meaning A sacred or holy p

• sanctification

  Etymology Old French sanctification Latin sanctificatio From the Latin verb sanctific

• sanctuary

  Etymology of Sanctuary The word sanctuary derives from the Latin word sanctuarium

• sanctify

  Etymology Latin sanctificare Proto Indo European sak sacred holy Meaning T

• Nemean

  Etymology The name Nemean is derived from the ancient Greek word Νεμέα Neméa

• trinity

  Etymology The word trinity derives from the Latin word trinitas which in turn is re

• place

  Etymology The word place originates from the Latin word platea which means broad

• post

  Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

• spot

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