sacred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sacred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is regarded with reverence and respect, often in a religious or spiritual context. Example: "The ancient temple was considered sacred by the local community, serving as a place of worship and reflection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The desperation to be, or feel, as close as possible to the Kaaba has forced buildings to become ever higher, ever more ridiculously tapered, so everyone can have a view, however notional, of the sacred centre.

The Guardian - Arts

Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, is a sacred site for the area's Indigenous Australians.

The Guardian

For French film-buffs these are historic, even sacred sites.

The Guardian - Film

Hawass said the builders came from poor families from the north and the south, and were respected for their work – so much so that those who died during construction were bestowed the honour of being buried in the tombs near the sacred pyramids of their pharaohs.

The Guardian

But the Syrian flag is a sacred icon for me.

The Guardian

In later remarks, Stubb described freedom of movement as a "rather sacred" principle that Finland was determined to uphold while trying to allay British concerns.

The Guardian

The National Museum of Australia stands a few kilometres away on the northern bank of Lake Burley Griffin, on what is still a sacred meeting site.

The Guardian

Several private collectors, meanwhile, donated vast acquisitions of Aboriginal ethnographic material – secret and sacred objects, bark art, hunting weapons and Indigenous bones and body parts.

The Guardian

"There is no sacred place for a bonus right now, there is only a place for work," said O'Dowd.

The Guardian - Business

It is not so long since he was castigating Miliband for, er, wanting to interfere with the sacred freedom of energy companies to indulge in naked profiteering.

The Guardian

But if the sacred concept "independence" can only be guaranteed by royal charter, it might be worth the hacked-offers pausing for a moment to focus on the BBC (whose freedom surely matters just as much to us all).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing places, rituals, or texts as "sacred", consider the specific beliefs and traditions associated with them to avoid misrepresentation or cultural appropriation.

Common error

Avoid overusing "sacred" to describe things that are merely important or valued. Reserve it for contexts where there's a genuine sense of reverence or religious significance, not just personal preference.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sacred" primarily functions to ascribe a quality of holiness, reverence, or deep respect to a noun. Ludwig AI data confirms this, with examples showing it modifying nouns like "site", "place", and "icon", indicating something set apart and worthy of veneration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sacred" is an adjective used to describe something considered worthy of great respect or reverence, often due to religious or spiritual significance. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, especially within News & Media. It's important to use "sacred" appropriately, reserving it for contexts where genuine reverence is implied, and avoiding overuse in secular situations. While "holy", "hallowed", and "revered" serve as effective alternatives, depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct, commonly used, and carries a neutral tone unless used in religious or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holy

Implies a connection to the divine or religious sanctity, similar to "sacred" but often more explicitly religious.

hallowed

Suggests something consecrated or revered, often due to its historical or religious significance.

consecrated

Indicates something officially dedicated to a religious purpose or deity.

revered

Emphasizes the deep respect and admiration something receives.

venerated

Similar to revered, but often implies a more formal or traditional respect.

divine

Directly relates something to a god or deity; can be used when the sacredness stems directly from a god.

sacrosanct

Indicates something so sacred that it cannot be violated or criticized.

blessed

Suggests divine favor or holiness.

respected

Implies a high level of esteem and regard, though not necessarily with religious connotations.

inviolable

Focuses on the idea that something must not be violated or infringed upon due to its sacred nature.

FAQs

How can I use "sacred" in a sentence?

The word "sacred" is used to describe something that is considered holy, revered, or worthy of great respect, often due to religious or spiritual significance. For example, "The land was considered "sacred ground" by the indigenous people."

What words can I use instead of "sacred"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "holy", "hallowed", "consecrated", or "revered" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "sacred" in a non-religious context?

While "sacred" primarily refers to religious or spiritual contexts, it can be used in a non-religious context to describe something deeply valued and respected. However, ensure the context still implies a level of reverence and isn't merely used for emphasis. Consider if "cherished" or "valued" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "sacred" and "sacrosanct"?

"Sacred" refers to something regarded with reverence, while "sacrosanct" implies something so sacred that it cannot be violated or criticized. "Sacrosanct" carries a stronger sense of inviolability and is often used to describe principles or rights that are considered fundamental.