celibate
celibate
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "celibate" is:
/ˈsɛləbət/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
ˈsɛl: "sel" sound, with stress on the first syllable
ə: Schwa sound, a short, neutral vowel
bət: "but" sound
Word Form Variations
The word "celibate" has two main word form variations:
Noun: celibate (a person who practices celibacy)
Adjective: celibate (abstaining from sexual intercourse)
There is no plural form for the noun "celibate" as it refers to an individual person.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A person who abstains from sexual activity.
Synonyms: abstainer, virgin
Antonyms: promiscuous person, libertine
Adjective
Definition: Abstaining from sexual intercourse.
Synonyms: chaste, pure, virginal
Antonyms: promiscuous, unchaste, licentious
Examples of Use
Literature:
"The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer: Chaucer’s tales often feature characters who have chosen celibacy for religious or moral reasons.
"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen: The character of Mr. Collins is often depicted as a somewhat awkward and overly formal individual who, due to his position as a clergyman, is expected to remain celibate.
News and Online Publications:
The New York Times: Articles discussing religious practices, particularly those of Catholic priests and nuns, often reference celibacy as a core tenet.
The Guardian: The Guardian has published articles exploring the concept of voluntary celibacy, particularly among younger generations.
Entertainment:
Television Series: Shows like "Sex and the City" often contrast the lives of sexually active characters with those who choose celibacy, either temporarily or permanently.
Movies: Films such as "The Silence of the Lambs" feature characters who are celibate, either due to personal choice or mental illness.
General Public Discourse:
Religious Discussions: Celibacy is frequently discussed in religious contexts, especially in relation to monastic orders and priestly vocations.
Health and Wellness: In discussions about sexual health, celibacy may be mentioned as a strategy for avoiding sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Celibate
"The celibate life is a life of sacrifice, but also a life of great spiritual reward." - Anonymous
"Celibacy is not just about abstaining from sex; it's about a deeper commitment to spiritual growth and service." - Anonymous
"In the silence of the monastery, the soul finds its true voice." - Thomas Merton
"The path of celibacy is a narrow one, but it leads to a higher plane of existence." - Anonymous
"To be truly free, one must be free from the chains of desire." - Buddha
"The celibate life is a life of simplicity, of focus, and of peace." - Anonymous
"In the stillness of the heart, the divine can be heard." - Anonymous
"The celibate life is not for everyone, but it is a noble calling for those who are called." - Anonymous
"The path of celibacy is a path of self-mastery and spiritual discipline." - Anonymous
"The celibate life is a life of love, but a love that transcends the physical." - Anonymous
Etymology
The word "celibate" comes from the Latin word "caelebs," which means "unmarried." This Latin word can be traced back even further to the Proto-Indo-European roots *kaiwelo- meaning "alone" and *lib(h)s- meaning "living."
The first known use of "celibate" in English was in the 17th century. At that time, it referred specifically to someone who abstained from marriage. Over time, the meaning has expanded to include anyone who abstains from sexual activity, regardless of marital status.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Celibate
Due to the specific nature of the word "celibate," there aren't many common phrases or idioms that directly use it. However, we can explore related concepts and use synonyms to construct some:
A life of chastity and abstinence: This phrase directly refers to the core concept of celibacy.
To embrace a monastic lifestyle: This phrase suggests a dedicated, often celibate, religious life.
To turn one's back on worldly pleasures: This phrase implies a rejection of physical desires, including sexual ones.
To live a pure and virtuous life: This phrase emphasizes moral purity and self-control, which are often associated with celibacy.
To be devoted to a higher calling: This phrase suggests a spiritual or religious commitment that may involve celibacy.
It's worth noting that while these phrases are related to the concept of celibacy, they don't directly use the word itself. This is because celibacy is often associated with specific religious or philosophical contexts, and it's not a common topic in everyday conversation.
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Source Information
Definition of celibate from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
