a holy well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a holy well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a well that is considered sacred or has religious significance. Example: "The pilgrims traveled for miles to visit the ancient site, where they believed the waters of the holy well could heal their ailments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A holy well adjoins the farmyard.

The Guardian

The town of St. David's, named for the national saint of Wales, who was born in the 6th century, has been a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, attracting those with hopes of miraculous cures for their ailments to a holy well at St. Non's Chapel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The thermal spa as a tourist destination regardless of the pilgrimage associations with the site as a holy well or sacred spring—is not necessarily a European invention, despite deriving its English-language label from Spa, an early resort in what is now Belgium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a field opposite Orlagh House is a holy well associated with Saint Colmcille.

Wikipedia

The Chalice Well is a holy well at the foot of the Tor, covered by a wooden well-cover with wrought-iron decoration made in 1919.

Wikipedia

In chapter 15 of Gylfaginning, Just-As-High says that Bifröst is also called Asbrú, and that every day the gods ride their horses across it (with the exception of Thor, who instead wades through the boiling waters of the rivers Körmt and Örmt) to reach Urðarbrunnr, a holy well where the gods have their court.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The novel ends with Eddie climbing perilously down into the dark of an Orcadian holy well, to fulfil a promise that may or may not mean anything.

The Guardian - Books

Caffo is reported to have had a bubbling "holy well" in the area, called Crochan Caffo ("Caffo's cauldron") or Ffynnon Caffo ("Caffo's well").

Wikipedia

Close to it are the remains of a medieval cross, Dupath's holy well, a neolithic henge by Castlewich and a source for greenstone axe heads at Balsdon Down.

The Guardian

Much of the work has been carried out by a local company, Holy Well Glass.

The Guardian - Arts

The long list of his own works continued to grow, and in 1966 the literary magazine Novy mir ("New World") printed his Svyatoy kolodets (1967; The Holy Well), a remarkable lyrical-philosophical account of dreams experienced while the author is under anaesthesia for surgery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical or religious sites, use the phrase "a holy well" to accurately describe a water source with spiritual significance, providing context about its importance within the specific culture or religion.

Common error

Avoid using "a holy well" merely to describe any water source near a religious building. Ensure the well itself is revered or considered sacred, not just geographically close to a sacred site.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a holy well" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It designates a specific type of well that is considered sacred within a particular religious or cultural context. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase appears in various contexts, emphasizing its role in describing historical sites and spiritual practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a holy well" is a noun phrase denoting a water source revered for its religious or spiritual significance. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable, appearing most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, ensure the well genuinely holds sacred status and is not just a geographical feature. Consider alternatives like "sacred spring" or "blessed well" for nuanced meanings. Remember, the power of "a holy well" lies in its cultural and historical context, evoking themes of pilgrimage, healing, and veneration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sacred well

Replaces "holy" with "sacred", a synonym with slightly broader religious connotations.

sacred spring

Similar meaning, replacing "well" with "spring", focusing on the natural source aspect.

blessed well

Substitutes "holy" with "blessed", emphasizing divine favor or sanctification.

hallowed spring

Uses "spring" instead of "well", suggesting a natural source, and "hallowed" for "holy", conveying veneration.

consecrated fountain

Employs "fountain" and "consecrated" which implies a formal act of religious dedication.

well of sanctity

Rephrases to emphasize the quality of holiness associated with the well.

fountain of grace

Emphasizes the benevolent or divine favor aspect of the water source.

source of divine water

Focuses on the divine origin and nature of the water from the well.

well considered sacred

Expresses the concept as an attribute of the well rather than a direct descriptor.

place of spiritual waters

Broader term referring to any location with water holding spiritual significance.

FAQs

How can I use "a holy well" in a sentence?

You can use "a holy well" to describe a water source with religious significance. For example: "The pilgrims traveled to the site of "a holy well" seeking blessings and healing."

What is another way to say "a holy well"?

Alternatives to "a holy well" include "sacred spring", "blessed well", or "hallowed spring", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a well "holy"?

A well becomes "holy" when it is associated with religious figures, legends, or miracles, leading it to be revered as a sacred place and a source of spiritual blessings or healing.

Is there a difference between "a holy well" and "a wishing well"?

Yes, "a holy well" is revered for its religious significance and perceived healing properties, while a "wishing well" is a secular structure where people toss coins and make wishes, lacking inherent religious connotations.