sanctity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sanctity' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that generally refers to a state or quality of being holy, sacred, or inviolable, so it can be used to refer to something that is respected as sacred or inviolable. For example, you could say, "The sanctity of the marriage vow must be maintained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it is our job to ensure the sanctity of the vote is upheld".

The Guardian

He declined to attend the wedding of his lesbian half-sister, Candace Gingrich-Jones, having referred to gay marriage as "a temporary aberration" and, really, there is no one better placed to sound off on the sanctity of the institution of marriage than Newt Gingrich.

The Guardian - Opinion

It threatened to destroy the symmetry and sanctity of the Premier League itself, where teams play each other home and away in a perfect round robin of 38 contests.

The Guardian - Sport

Announcing the scholarships, the university's vice-chancellor, Prof Greg Craven, said in a statement "in a small but symbolic way, the writing by Indonesian students on the sanctity of life would be an ongoing contribution toward the eventual abolition of the death penalty in Indonesia".

The Guardian

The university said the scholarships, for Indonesian students to study in Australia, would provide full tuition fees over four years and would be awarded on the basis of an essay on the topic of "the sanctity of human life".

The Guardian

Homosexuality was a "pathology" undermining the sanctity of the family.

The Guardian

After quoting Immanuel Kant on freedom and his belief "in open societies that respect that sanctity of the individual", the president echoed calls he made during a recent speech in Washington for an ending of America's war on terror.

The Guardian

After the bulls had returned to the sanctity of their pen, at the far side of the oval, the runners quietly filed out towards the concessions stands, past an ambulance and a couple of wickedly-spinning mechanical bull rides that had few takers.

The Guardian - Sport

Otherwise, we risk the sanctity of Mecca being gone for ever".

The Guardian - Arts

To defend his position he turned for help from Immanuel Kant, recalling the 18th-century German philosopher's belief "in open societies that respect that sanctity of the individual", before stating his own confidence that the US was capable of striking the right balance between security and privacy.

The Guardian

Earlier in the summit, Sheikh Sa'ad Musse Roble, a Minneapolis imam, introduced a session examining the city's attempts to counter violent extremism by reading a passage from the Qur'an on the sanctity of human life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sanctity", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being regarded as sacred or inviolable. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sanctity" in contexts where simple respect or value is intended. "Sanctity" implies a level of veneration or inviolability that surpasses ordinary appreciation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sanctity" is as a noun, typically used to denote the state or quality of being sacred, holy, or inviolable. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where "sanctity" functions as a noun in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "sanctity" denotes the state of being sacred, holy, or inviolable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis. Its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "sanctity", ensure the context warrants its strong connotation of reverence and inviolability. Common errors include using it when mere respect is intended. Related phrases include "holiness" and "sacredness". While "sanctity" is a powerful term, reserve it for situations where you wish to convey the utmost respect and inviolability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holiness

This alternative emphasizes the religious or spiritual purity associated with something.

sacredness

This option stresses the quality of being holy and deserving of reverence.

inviolability

This term highlights the state of being protected from violation or profanation.

untouchability

This phrase focuses on the idea of something being beyond reach or alteration.

consecration

This word refers to the act of dedicating something to a sacred purpose.

hallowedness

This term evokes a sense of deep respect and reverence.

reverence

This emphasizes the feeling of deep respect and admiration.

divinity

This alternative suggests a connection to the divine or supernatural.

purity

This option highlights the state of being free from contamination or impurity.

worthiness

This stresses the quality of deserving respect or admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "sanctity" in a sentence?

You can use "sanctity" to refer to the holiness or inviolability of something. For example, "The protestors demanded respect for the "sanctity of human life"" or "The church emphasized the "sanctity of marriage"".

What are some synonyms for "sanctity"?

Some synonyms for "sanctity" include "holiness", "sacredness", "inviolability", and "reverence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "sanctity" a formal word?

Yes, "sanctity" is considered a formal word, often used in religious, ethical, or legal contexts to convey a sense of deep respect and inviolability. Using simpler terms like "importance" or "value" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

What is the difference between "sanctity" and "integrity"?

"Sanctity" refers to the state of being holy or inviolable, often associated with religious or moral principles. "Integrity", on the other hand, refers to moral uprightness and honesty. While both terms denote high value, they emphasize different qualities.