هذه الصفحة بلغتك

English

فارسی

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 adjective #34 الأكثر شيوعاً 11 دقيقة للقراءة

sacred

الأكثر شيوعاً #34

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح sacred في 30 ثانية

الشرح sacred in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'sacred' is a difficult word. You can think of it as meaning 'very, very special' or 'holy.' It is used for things in a church, temple, or mosque. For example, a 'sacred book' is a book that is very important for a religion. You should know that it is different from the word 'scared' (which means you are afraid). 'Sacred' is about respect. If something is sacred, you must be very quiet and careful around it. You don't use this word for everyday things like your phone or your shoes. You use it for things that people think are connected to God or are very important for their culture. It is an adjective, so it describes a noun. For example: 'The temple is sacred.' or 'This is a sacred place.' Just remember: Sacred = Holy and Special.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

For A2 learners, 'sacred' means something that is holy or deserves a lot of respect. It is often used to talk about religious places and objects. For example, 'The Ganges is a sacred river in India.' This means the river is not just water; it is special and religious. You might also hear it in stories about ancient history, like 'sacred temples' or 'sacred animals.' A key thing to remember is the pronunciation: it sounds like 'SAY-kred.' Do not confuse it with 'scared' (SKAIRD). If you say 'I am sacred,' people will think you are a holy person! You should say 'I am scared' if you are afraid. Use 'sacred' when you want to describe something that people treat with great care because it is part of their religion or very old traditions.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you can start using 'sacred' for more than just religious buildings. While it still primarily means 'holy' or 'connected to a god,' it also describes things that are 'inviolable'—meaning they should not be changed or disrespected. For example, you might hear about a 'sacred duty' or a 'sacred promise.' This means the duty or promise is so important that you must never break it. You will see this word in news articles about culture and history. It is also used in the phrase 'sacred music,' which is music written for religious ceremonies. When you use 'sacred,' you are showing that something has a deep, serious value. It is a stronger word than 'important' or 'special.' It implies that there is a moral or spiritual reason why the thing must be respected.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'sacred' in both religious and secular (non-religious) contexts. In a secular sense, it refers to things that are considered too important to be interfered with. For instance, 'the sacred right to privacy' or 'a sacred trust between friends.' You should also be aware of the idiom 'a sacred cow,' which refers to a custom or organization that people are afraid to criticize, even if it has problems. At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'sacred' from synonyms like 'holy,' 'divine,' or 'hallowed.' 'Sacred' often implies that a person or group has *designated* something as special. You should also be able to use the noun form 'sacredness' or 'sanctity' correctly in your writing. For example, 'The sanctity of the marriage vows was important to them.'

At the C1 level, you should understand the nuanced philosophical and sociological implications of 'sacred.' It often refers to the 'sacred-profane' dichotomy, where 'sacred' things are set apart and forbidden, while 'profane' things are ordinary and mundane. You can use 'sacred' to describe abstract concepts in high-level academic or legal writing, such as 'the sacredness of the individual' or 'the sacred nature of the judicial process.' You should also recognize its use in literature to create a sense of awe or transcendence. At this level, you should be able to use 'sacred' metaphorically and ironically. For instance, 'In the world of high fashion, the September issue is sacred.' This shows a deep understanding of how the word can be used to describe intense devotion in any field. Your vocabulary should also include related words like 'consecrate,' 'desecrate,' and 'sacrilegious.'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

For C2 proficiency, 'sacred' is a tool for precise rhetorical elevation. You should understand its etymological roots in the Latin 'sacrare' (to set apart) and how this informs its modern usage in various discourses. You can use it to discuss the 'sacrosanct' nature of certain institutional norms or the 'hallowed' traditions of ancient universities. At this level, you should be able to analyze how the concept of the 'sacred' is used to construct social identity and moral boundaries. You might use it in a sentence like: 'The project was treated with a level of reverence usually reserved for the sacred, effectively stifling any meaningful dissent.' This demonstrates an ability to use the word to critique social behavior. You should also be familiar with its use in specialized fields like ethnomusicology (sacred vs. secular scales) or environmental ethics (sacred ecology). Your mastery should include the ability to switch between 'sacred,' 'divine,' 'numinous,' and 'ethereal' to achieve the exact tone required.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

sacred في 30 ثانية

Sacred primarily means holy or dedicated to a religious purpose, requiring deep respect and reverence from believers and observers alike.
It extends to secular contexts to describe rights, duties, or traditions that are considered inviolable and too important to be changed.
The word is often used metaphorically to describe personal routines or objects that an individual values intensely and protects from interruption.
Common collocations include 'sacred duty,' 'sacred ground,' and 'sacred text,' all emphasizing a status that is above the ordinary or mundane.

The word sacred is a powerful adjective that carries a weight of deep respect, holiness, and inviolability. At its core, it refers to something that is dedicated to a deity or some religious purpose, making it 'holy.' However, its usage has expanded significantly beyond the walls of temples, churches, and mosques. In a broader sense, sacred describes anything that is considered too important, precious, or significant to be changed, questioned, or treated with anything less than the utmost reverence. When we call something sacred, we are setting it apart from the 'profane' or the ordinary. It is not just 'important'; it is 'untouchable' in a spiritual or moral sense.

Religious Context: In religious settings, sacred is used to describe objects like the Bible or the Quran, places like Mecca or the Ganges River, and rituals like baptism or meditation. These are things that believers treat with specific protocols of respect.

The ancient burial grounds were considered sacred by the local indigenous tribes, and no construction was permitted there.

In secular or non-religious life, the word is often used to describe values or rights that a society deems fundamental. For example, many people believe that the right to free speech is a sacred right. This doesn't mean it comes from a god, but rather that it is so vital to human dignity that it must never be violated. Similarly, a person might have a sacred duty to protect their family, implying a commitment that goes beyond a simple chore or responsibility; it is a moral imperative that defines who they are.

Secular Sanctity: This refers to non-religious concepts that are treated with religious-like devotion. For instance, the 'sacred bond' between a parent and child or the 'sacred trust' between a doctor and a patient.

To many environmentalists, the preservation of old-growth forests is a sacred mission that transcends political boundaries.

The word also appears in the context of music and art. Sacred music is composed for religious use, contrasting with 'secular music' intended for entertainment. When using this word, be mindful of its intensity. Calling a daily routine 'sacred' (e.g., 'my morning coffee is sacred') is a common metaphorical use that suggests the routine is a non-negotiable part of one's life that brings peace or focus. This hyperbolic use is very common in modern English to show personal dedication.

Metaphorical Use: Using 'sacred' to describe personal habits or objects to show they are extremely important to you, even if they have no religious meaning.

Sunday dinner was sacred in our house; no one was allowed to miss it for any reason.

The cows are considered sacred animals in many parts of India, symbolizing life and earth.

Using sacred correctly involves understanding its placement as an adjective and the nouns it typically modifies. It almost always precedes the noun it describes or follows a linking verb like 'is' or 'seems.' Because it is a 'non-gradable' adjective in its strictest sense (something is either sacred or it isn't), we rarely say 'very sacred,' though in casual speech, people do use intensifiers to show deep emotion.

Attributive Use: Placing the word before the noun: 'The sacred texts were kept in a golden box.' This is the most common way to use the word.

The monks spent years copying the sacred manuscripts by hand.

When using sacred in a sentence, consider the 'collocations' or words that naturally pair with it. Common pairings include sacred duty, sacred ground, sacred cow (an idiom), and sacred trust. These pairings help define the specific flavor of 'holiness' you are trying to convey. For example, 'sacred ground' usually refers to a physical location, while 'sacred trust' refers to a moral relationship.

Predicative Use: Placing the word after a verb: 'To the local people, the mountain is sacred.' This structure emphasizes the perception or status of the object.

In many cultures, the bond between a mother and her child is held as sacred.

You can also use sacred in comparative structures, though it is less common. For instance, 'Nothing is more sacred than the truth.' This highlights a hierarchy of values. In legal or formal writing, sacred might be replaced by 'inviolable' or 'sacrosanct' to sound more technical, but sacred remains the most emotionally resonant choice.

Negative Constructions: Using 'sacred' to show what is NOT being respected: 'They treated nothing as sacred, destroying even the oldest monuments.'

The invaders showed no respect for the sacred traditions of the village.

Is there any part of the constitution that you consider sacred and unchangeable?

The word sacred appears in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the highly formal to the surprisingly casual. In news reporting, you will often hear it when journalists discuss conflicts over land or heritage. For example, when indigenous groups protest against pipelines or mines on their ancestral lands, they frequently describe the land as sacred. This word choice is intentional; it signals that the land is not just a resource to be used, but a part of their spiritual identity that cannot be bought or sold.

In Documentaries: Narrators often use 'sacred' when describing ancient civilizations, such as 'The sacred temples of the Maya' or 'The sacred rituals of the Pharaohs.'

The documentary explored how the sacred fire has been kept burning for over a thousand years.

In politics and law, sacred is used to elevate certain principles above partisan bickering. A politician might refer to the 'sacred right to vote' to emphasize that any attempt to limit voting is not just a policy disagreement, but an attack on the very soul of democracy. This rhetorical use of sacred aims to create a sense of moral outrage or deep importance. You will also find it in literature and poetry, where it is used to describe the beauty of nature or the depth of human emotions, such as a 'sacred silence' in a forest.

In Daily Conversation: People use it to protect their time or habits. 'My Saturday mornings are sacred' means 'Do not try to schedule anything during that time; it is my time for myself.'

He considers his collection of vintage records to be sacred; no one else is allowed to touch them.

Furthermore, in the world of sports, certain stadiums or traditions are often called sacred. For instance, 'Wimbledon is sacred ground for tennis players.' This implies that the location has a history and a level of prestige that makes it more than just a tennis court; it is a place of pilgrimage for athletes. Similarly, in the arts, an actor might speak of the 'sacred space' of the theater, where the ordinary rules of the world are suspended to create something magical.

In Music and Art: Refers to works created for worship. 'The choir performed a program of sacred choral music from the Renaissance.'

For many fans, the stadium is sacred ground where legends were made.

The artist described the act of creation as a sacred process that required total isolation.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with sacred is a simple spelling and pronunciation slip-up: confusing it with scared. While they share almost all the same letters, they are worlds apart in meaning. Sacred (SAY-kred) means holy, while scared (SKAIRD) means afraid. Writing 'I am sacred of spiders' is a common mistake that can lead to quite a bit of confusion (and perhaps some unintentional humor, as it implies you are a holy spider-being).

Spelling & Pronunciation: Sacred: Two syllables, long 'A' sound. Scared: One syllable, 'AIR' sound. Always double-check the 'a' and 'c' placement.

Correct: The temple is sacred. Incorrect: The temple is scared.

Another mistake is overusing the word for things that are merely 'important.' While native speakers do use sacred metaphorically (e.g., 'my gym time is sacred'), using it for every minor preference can make your speech sound overly dramatic or even slightly pretentious. Reserve sacred for things that truly carry a sense of deep, unchangeable value. If you just mean that you really like something or it's important to you, words like 'essential,' 'vital,' or 'crucial' might be more appropriate.

Over-Dramatization: Using 'sacred' for trivial things like 'my favorite pen is sacred' can sound odd unless you are clearly joking.

Better: This pen is essential for my work. (Instead of 'sacred' if it's just a tool).

Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition that follows sacred. As mentioned before, the correct preposition is usually to. For example, 'The cow is sacred to Hindus.' Using 'for' or 'with' in this context is a common error. Additionally, remember that sacred is an adjective. If you need a noun, use sacredness or sanctity. Saying 'The sacred of the temple' is grammatically incorrect; you should say 'The sacredness of the temple' or 'The sacred temple.'

Grammatical Form: Don't use 'sacred' as a noun. Correct: 'The sanctity of life.' Incorrect: 'The sacred of life.'

Correct: This ritual is sacred to our family. Incorrect: This ritual is sacred for our family.

The sacredness of the site must be preserved at all costs.

While sacred is a versatile word, English offers several synonyms that carry slightly different shades of meaning. Understanding these can help you be more precise in your writing and speaking. The most common alternative is holy. While often interchangeable, holy is more frequently used in a strictly religious sense, often implying a direct connection to God or a divine power. Sacred, as we've seen, can be used more broadly for secular things that are highly respected.

Sacred vs. Holy: 'Holy' is often inherent (God is holy), while 'sacred' is often designated (this ground is sacred because of what happened here).

The holy man blessed the crowd, while the sacred relics were displayed on the altar.

Another high-level synonym is sacrosanct. This word is often used in political or organizational contexts to describe rules, traditions, or principles that are considered beyond criticism or change. It carries a slightly more formal, almost bureaucratic tone than sacred. For example, 'The CEO's decisions were treated as sacrosanct by the board.' This implies that no one dared to challenge them, not necessarily because they were 'holy,' but because of the CEO's absolute authority.

Sacred vs. Sacrosanct: 'Sacrosanct' emphasizes the idea of being 'immune from criticism or violation,' often in a non-religious, structural way.

In that company, the 2:00 PM tea break was sacrosanct; nothing was allowed to interrupt it.

For things that are respected but not necessarily 'holy,' you might use venerated or revered. These words focus on the human act of showing respect. An old professor might be venerated by his students. This doesn't mean he is sacred, but that he is held in very high esteem. Lastly, inviolable is a great word for rights or laws that must not be broken. 'Human rights are inviolable' means they are sacred in a legal and moral sense.

Sacred vs. Hallowed: 'Hallowed' is often used for things with a long, respected history, like 'hallowed halls' of a university or 'hallowed ground' of a battlefield.

The hallowed traditions of the university have been preserved for centuries.

The constitution protects the inviolable rights of every citizen.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

محايد

غير رسمي

Child friendly

عامية

حقيقة ممتعة

The word 'sacrifice' comes from the same root: 'sacer' (holy) + 'facere' (to make). So, to sacrifice something literally means 'to make it holy' by giving it to a god.

دليل النطق

UK /ˈseɪ.krɪd/

US /ˈseɪ.krəd/

The stress is on the first syllable: SA-cred.

يتقافى مع

hatred kindred (near rhyme) hundred (near rhyme) standard (near rhyme) measured (near rhyme) favored (near rhyme) labored (near rhyme) savored (near rhyme)

أخطاء شائعة

Confusing with 'scared' (SKAIRD), which has only one syllable.
Pronouncing the 'e' in the second syllable too clearly (it should be a short 'i' or schwa).
Putting the stress on the second syllable (sa-CRED).
Using a short 'a' sound like in 'cat' for the first syllable.
Failing to pronounce the final 'd' clearly.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Common in literature and news, usually easy to understand from context.

الكتابة 4/5

Requires careful spelling to avoid 'scared' and correct preposition use ('to').

التحدث 3/5

Pronunciation is key; once mastered, it's very useful for emphasizing points.

الاستماع 3/5

Must distinguish between 'sacred' and 'scared' in fast speech.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

holy respect religion special important

تعلّم لاحقاً

sacrosanct inviolable consecrate desecrate reverence

متقدم

numinous hallowed venerated sanctity sacrilege

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Adjective Order

The beautiful (opinion) old (age) sacred (qualitative) temple.

Non-gradable Adjectives

You usually don't say 'more sacred'; you say 'more nearly sacred' or just 'sacred'.

Prepositional Phrases

Sacred TO the people (not FOR).

Noun Formation

Changing 'sacred' to 'sacredness' to function as a subject.

Attributive vs Predicative

The sacred fire (attributive) vs. The fire is sacred (predicative).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

The church is a sacred place.

Le temple est un lieu sacré.

Adjective before the noun 'place'.

This is a sacred book for them.

C'est un livre sacré pour eux.

Adjective 'sacred' modifies 'book'.

They sing sacred songs.

Ils chantent des chants sacrés.

Plural noun 'songs' modified by 'sacred'.

The mountain is sacred.

La montagne est sacrée.

Used after the linking verb 'is'.

Please respect the sacred site.

S'il vous plaît, respectez le site sacré.

Imperative sentence using 'respect'.

Is this water sacred?

Cette eau est-elle sacrée ?

Question form with 'is'.

The cow is a sacred animal in India.

La vache est un animal sacré en Inde.

Common cultural example.

We saw sacred art in the museum.

Nous avons vu de l'art sacré au musée.

Adjective 'sacred' modifies 'art'.

The ancient temple is sacred to many people.

L'ancien temple est sacré pour beaucoup de gens.

Uses 'sacred to [someone]'.

He took a sacred oath to tell the truth.

Il a prêté un serment sacré de dire la vérité.

'Sacred oath' is a common collocation.

Many cultures have sacred traditions.

Beaucoup de cultures ont des traditions sacrées.

Plural 'traditions'.

The priest read from the sacred text.

Le prêtre a lu le texte sacré.

'Sacred text' refers to religious writing.

They believe the forest is a sacred space.

Ils croient que la forêt est un espace sacré.

Object complement after 'believe'.

The king was buried in sacred ground.

Le roi a été enterré en terre sacrée.

'Sacred ground' is a common phrase for cemeteries.

Do not touch the sacred objects.

Ne touchez pas aux objets sacrés.

Negative imperative.

The dancers performed a sacred ritual.

Les danseurs ont accompli un rituel sacré.

Action verb 'performed' with 'ritual'.

The protection of children is a sacred duty.

La protection des enfants est un devoir sacré.

Metaphorical/Secular use of 'sacred'.

The land was considered sacred by the ancestors.

La terre était considérée comme sacrée par les ancêtres.

Passive voice 'was considered sacred'.

They treat their family history as something sacred.

Ils traitent l'histoire de leur famille comme quelque chose de sacré.

Uses 'as something sacred'.

The musician specializes in sacred choral works.

Le musicien se spécialise dans les œuvres chorales sacrées.

Technical use in music.

The peace treaty was seen as a sacred agreement.

Le traité de paix était considéré comme un accord sacré.

Abstract noun 'agreement'.

In this house, dinner time is sacred.

Dans cette maison, l'heure du dîner est sacrée.

Informal/Metaphorical use.

The monks maintain a sacred silence in the monastery.

Les moines maintiennent un silence sacré dans le monastère.

'Sacred silence' is a common collocation.

The museum houses many sacred relics from the Middle Ages.

Le musée abrite de nombreuses reliques sacrées du Moyen Âge.

'Sacred relics' refers to holy remains.

Freedom of speech is a sacred right in many democracies.

La liberté d'expression est un droit sacré dans de nombreuses démocraties.

Political/Legal context.

The doctor-patient relationship is a sacred trust.

La relation médecin-patient est une confiance sacrée.

'Sacred trust' implies a high moral obligation.

He felt he had a sacred mission to help the poor.

Il sentait qu'il avait une mission sacrée d'aider les pauvres.

'Sacred mission' implies a life's calling.

The company's retirement fund was once considered a sacred cow.

Le fonds de retraite de l'entreprise était autrefois considéré comme une vache sacrée.

Idiom: 'sacred cow' (something not to be criticized).

The ceremony was held in a sacred grove of oak trees.

La cérémonie a eu lieu dans un bois sacré de chênes.

'Sacred grove' is a historical/mythological term.

The poet described the sacred beauty of the sunrise.

Le poète a décrit la beauté sacrée du lever du soleil.

Literary use to show awe.

The laws were written on sacred tablets of stone.

Les lois étaient écrites sur des tablettes de pierre sacrées.

Historical/Religious reference.

The tribe fought to protect their sacred burial grounds.

La tribu s'est battue pour protéger ses lieux de sépulture sacrés.

Social/Political context.

The philosopher explored the distinction between the sacred and the profane.

Le philosophe a exploré la distinction entre le sacré et le profane.

Used as a noun phrase (the sacred).

For many, the sanctity of life is a sacred principle that overrides all others.

Pour beaucoup, la sainteté de la vie est un principe sacré qui l'emporte sur tous les autres.

Uses 'sanctity' (noun) and 'sacred' (adj).

The judicial system relies on the sacred nature of the oath.

Le système judiciaire repose sur la nature sacrée du serment.

'Sacred nature' emphasizes the quality.

The artist sought to capture the sacred essence of the landscape.

L'artiste a cherché à capturer l'essence sacrée du paysage.

Abstract/Artistic context.

The ritual was performed with a sacred solemnity that moved the audience.

Le rituel a été accompli avec une solennité sacrée qui a ému le public.

'Sacred solemnity' describes the atmosphere.

In the digital age, is anything still considered sacred?

À l'ère du numérique, y a-t-il encore quelque chose de considéré comme sacré ?

Rhetorical question.

The treaty was violated, breaking a sacred bond of trust between the nations.

Le traité a été violé, rompant un lien de confiance sacré entre les nations.

High-level diplomatic context.

The composer's later works are imbued with a sacred quality.

Les dernières œuvres du compositeur sont imprégnées d'une qualité sacrée.

'Imbued with' is a C1-level phrasal structure.

The inviolability of the human person is the most sacred tenet of our legal system.

L'invulnérabilité de la personne humaine est le principe le plus sacré de notre système juridique.

'Tenet' is a high-level synonym for principle.

He approached the archives with the reverence one might accord to a sacred relic.

Il a abordé les archives avec la révérence que l'on pourrait accorder à une relique sacrée.

Complex comparative structure.

The cultural hegemony of the era rendered certain ideologies virtually sacred.

L'hégémonie culturelle de l'époque a rendu certaines idéologies virtuellement sacrées.

Sociological/Academic context.

The poem serves as a sacred lament for a lost civilization.

Le poème sert de lamentation sacrée pour une civilisation perdue.

'Lament' is a formal noun.

The boundaries of the sacred are often policed by strict social taboos.

Les frontières du sacré sont souvent surveillées par de stricts tabous sociaux.

Metaphorical use of 'policed'.

The architect aimed to create a space that evoked a sense of the numinous and the sacred.

L'architecte visait à créer un espace qui évoquait un sentiment du numineux et du sacré.

'Numinous' is a C2-level synonym.

The decision was made behind closed doors, protected by a sacred veil of secrecy.

La décision a été prise à huis clos, protégée par un voile de secret sacré.

Metaphorical 'veil of secrecy'.

To desecrate what others hold sacred is a profound act of social defiance.

Profaner ce que les autres considèrent comme sacré est un acte profond de défi social.

Uses 'desecrate' (antonym verb) and 'hold sacred'.

تلازمات شائعة

sacred duty

sacred ground

sacred text

sacred trust

sacred music

sacred cow

sacred rite

sacred space

sacred oath

sacred bond

العبارات الشائعة

hold something sacred

— To treat something with the highest level of respect and protection.

They hold the traditions of their ancestors sacred.

sacred and inviolable

— A formal way to say something must never be changed or broken.

The rights of the individual are sacred and inviolable.

nothing is sacred

— A phrase used to complain that people are being disrespectful to everything.

In modern comedy, it seems that nothing is sacred anymore.

sacred to the memory of

— A formal phrase often found on gravestones or memorials.

This monument is sacred to the memory of those who fell in battle.

treat as sacred

— To behave toward something as if it were holy.

He treats his morning workout as sacred.

sacred site

— A location that has religious or historical importance.

Stonehenge is a famous sacred site in England.

sacred vessel

— An object used in religious ceremonies, like a chalice.

The sacred vessels were cleaned with great care.

sacred script

— Writing that is considered holy.

The ancient sacred script was difficult to decipher.

sacred calling

— A profession that a person feels spiritually destined for.

She viewed nursing as her sacred calling.

sacred fire

— A fire kept burning for religious or symbolic reasons.

The sacred fire was never allowed to go out.

يُخلط عادةً مع

sacred vs scared

Spelled similarly but means afraid. Sacred has two syllables; scared has one.

sacred vs secret

Sometimes confused by beginners; secret means hidden, sacred means holy.

sacred vs scarce

Means rare or in short supply; unrelated to holiness.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"sacred cow"

— An idea, custom, or institution that is held to be above criticism.

The social security system is a sacred cow of national politics.

Informal/Journalistic

"nothing is sacred"

— Used to express that even the most respected things are being joked about or changed.

They are making a comedy about the war? Truly, nothing is sacred.

General

"sacred trust"

— A very serious responsibility that must not be betrayed.

Educating the next generation is a sacred trust.

Formal

"on sacred ground"

— Being in a place or discussing a topic that requires extreme respect.

When you talk about her late husband, you are on sacred ground.

Metaphorical

"sacred bond"

— A connection between people that is considered unbreakable.

The sacred bond of marriage should be taken seriously.

Formal

"sacred duty"

— A moral obligation that is seen as holy or absolute.

It is our sacred duty to protect the weak.

Formal

"sacred oath"

— A promise made with extreme seriousness, often involving a deity.

He broke his sacred oath to the king.

Formal

"sacred silence"

— A quietness that is respected and not to be interrupted.

A sacred silence fell over the crowd as the memorial began.

Literary

"sacred space"

— A place where one feels safe, respected, and spiritually connected.

The therapist's office was a sacred space for her.

Psychological/General

"sacred relics"

— Often used metaphorically for very old and precious items.

He treats his old high school trophies like sacred relics.

Metaphorical

سهل الخلط

sacred vs holy

Both mean religious.

'Holy' is often inherent to a god, while 'sacred' is often designated by humans.

God is holy; this temple is sacred.

sacred vs divine

Both relate to religion.

'Divine' means 'of a god'; 'sacred' means 'respected as holy'.

A divine vision vs. a sacred object.

sacred vs sacrosanct

Both mean untouchable.

'Sacrosanct' is more formal and often used for rules or systems.

The rules of the game are sacrosanct.

sacred vs hallowed

Both mean revered.

'Hallowed' often implies a long history or fame.

The hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium.

sacred vs venerated

Both mean respected.

'Venerated' describes the people's reaction; 'sacred' describes the thing's status.

The venerated leader vs. the sacred scroll.

أنماط الجُمل

The [noun] is sacred.

The book is sacred.

It is a sacred [noun].

It is a sacred mountain.

[Noun] is sacred to [group].

The river is sacred to the tribe.

I hold [noun] sacred.

I hold my family time sacred.

The sacredness of [noun] is [adjective].

The sacredness of the site is undisputed.

Considered [adverb] sacred.

The laws were considered virtually sacred.

Accord [noun] a sacred status.

They accord the ancient ruins a sacred status.

The dichotomy between the sacred and the [noun].

The dichotomy between the sacred and the mundane.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

الأفعال

الصفات

مرتبط

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in religious, cultural, and political discourse.

أخطاء شائعة

I am sacred of heights. → I am scared of heights.
Sacred means holy; scared means afraid.
The sacred of the temple was beautiful. → The sacredness of the temple was beautiful.
Sacred is an adjective, not a noun.
This book is sacred for us. → This book is sacred to us.
The standard preposition after sacred is 'to'.
He is a sacred man. → He is a holy man.
We usually use 'holy' for people and 'sacred' for things or places.
The sacred cow was eating grass. → The sacred cow is a policy that cannot be changed.
Don't use the idiom 'sacred cow' literally unless you are actually talking about a holy cow in a religious context.

نصائح

The 'A' Rule

Sacred has an 'A' for 'Altar'. Scared has an 'E' for 'Escape'. Use this to remember the spelling.

Preposition Check

Always use 'sacred to' when talking about a group. 'This land is sacred to the tribe.'

Level Up

Instead of 'very important,' try 'sacred' when talking about rights or duties to sound more advanced.

Two Syllables

Remember to pronounce both syllables: SAY-kred. Don't let it sound like 'scared'.

Be Respectful

When calling something 'sacred,' you are acknowledging its deep value to others. Use it with care.

Adjective Only

Don't use 'sacred' as a noun. Use 'sacredness' if you need a noun.

Metaphorical Power

Use 'sacred' for personal habits to show they are non-negotiable. 'My morning run is sacred.'

Context Clues

If you hear 'sacred' in a news report, it's often about land rights or religious freedom.

Sacred Cow

Use 'sacred cow' when describing a project that no one is allowed to stop, even if it's failing.

Formal Tone

In formal essays, 'sacred' can replace 'holy' to sound more academic and less purely religious.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'SAY' + 'CRED'. You 'SAY' it with 'CREDibility' because it is so holy and true. Or: 'Sacred' has an 'A' for 'Altar'. 'Scared' has an 'E' for 'Escape'.

ربط بصري

Imagine a golden book sitting on a stone altar with a single beam of light shining on it. The book is 'sacred'.

Word Web

Religion Temple Respect Untouchable Holy Tradition Duty Oath

تحدٍّ

Try to write three sentences: one about a religious sacred object, one about a sacred right in your country, and one about a sacred personal habit.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Latin word 'sacrare', which means 'to make holy' or 'to consecrate'. This comes from 'sacer', meaning 'holy' or 'set apart'.

المعنى الأصلي: Originally, it referred specifically to things that were dedicated to a god or religious purpose, literally 'set apart' from common use.

It is part of the Indo-European language family, specifically the Italic branch leading to Latin and then Old French 'sacré'.

السياق الثقافي

Be respectful when using this word to describe the beliefs of others. What is sacred to one person may not be to another, but the word implies that their feeling should be respected.

In the US and UK, 'sacred' is often used in political speeches to describe the Constitution or the right to vote, appealing to a sense of shared national values.

The Sacred and the Profane (book by Mircea Eliade) Sacred Games (novel and TV series) The Sacred Theory of the Earth (Thomas Burnet)

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Religion

sacred text
sacred ritual
sacred place
sacred music

Law & Politics

sacred right
sacred trust
sacred duty
sacred principle

Environment

sacred land
sacred grove
sacred river
sacred nature

Personal Life

sacred time
sacred habit
sacred memory
hold sacred

History

sacred relics
sacred ruins
sacred burial ground
sacred tradition

بدايات محادثة

"Is there a place in your city that people consider sacred?"

"What personal routine do you hold sacred and never like to miss?"

"Do you think the right to privacy should be treated as a sacred right?"

"What are some sacred traditions in your culture that have lasted for centuries?"

"Why do you think people use the word 'sacred' for things that aren't religious?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe a place you have visited that felt sacred to you. What made it feel that way?

Reflect on a 'sacred trust' you have with someone. How do you ensure you don't break it?

In your opinion, what is the most sacred duty a person has toward their community?

Write about a 'sacred cow' in your workplace or school that you think should be challenged.

How has the meaning of 'sacred' changed in your life as you have grown older?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Usually, no. We use 'holy' or 'saintly' for people. 'Sacred' is for places, objects, or ideas.

Sacred (SAY-kred) means holy. Scared (SKAIRD) means afraid. They are very different!

No, it can be secular. A 'sacred duty' or 'sacred right' is a moral or legal concept, not necessarily religious.

It is an idiom for something that people refuse to criticize, even if it has problems.

It has two syllables: SAY-kred. The first syllable rhymes with 'day'.

The noun form is 'sacredness' or 'sanctity'.

Technically, 'sacred' is non-gradable, but in casual speech, people say 'very sacred' to show deep feeling.

The formal opposite is 'profane.' Other opposites are 'secular' or 'mundane'.

Yes, it almost always implies a high level of value and respect.

No, the verb is 'consecrate' (to make sacred) or 'sacralize'.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات