What does sacredness mean?
Sacredness is the noun form of the idea that something is holy, spiritually significant, deserving of reverence, or set apart from ordinary life. It is used especially when describing religious places, rituals, objects, natural landscapes, human life, and cultural traditions. The word often suggests a quality that is deep and difficult to explain, rather than merely a practical or personal preference. In discussions of nature and the environment, “the sacredness of nature” presents the natural world as having intrinsic spiritual or moral value. In cultural or historical contexts, it can refer to the protected status of a place, text, or practice. Although related to “holiness” and “sanctity,” sacredness is often broader and can apply beyond explicitly religious ideas. Its tone is formal, reflective, and sometimes poetic.
nounThe quality or state of being sacred, especially as a quality deserving profound respect, reverence, or religious devotion. It can also refer to the inviolable or protected status of something.
- The quality of being sacred or holy.
- The profound respect, reverence, or inviolable protection associated with something sacred.
"The ancient stones have a deep sacredness that cannot be captured by photography."
"Many visitors come to the temple seeking a sense of spiritual peace and sacredness."
"The sacredness of the documents is reinforced by their solemn presentation and guarded storage."
Rare; usually the concept is expressed in the singular.
"The study examined the different sacrednesses assigned to sacred sites and landscapes."
Sacredness describes the boundary between the ordinary and the protected: a quality that makes something more than merely important.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sacredness come from?
“Sacredness” was formed in English from “sacred,” using the noun-forming suffix “-ness.” “Sacred” comes through Old English from Latin sacer, meaning “holy” or “sacred,” a root that also appears in words such as “sanctify,” “sanctity,” and “sacrament.” The development reflects the long-standing English tendency to form abstract qualities with “-ness,” a suffix ultimately derived from Old English -nass.
Related word forms
How sacredness is actually used
Usually abstract and elevated in register. It is common in discussions of religion, nature, culture, art, and ethical or environmental concerns.