How Do You Spell UN-HOLY?

Pronunciation: [ˈʌnhˈə͡ʊli] (IPA)

The word "un-holy" is spelled with a hyphen between the prefix "un-" and the root "holy". The prefix "un-" means "not" or "opposite of", while "holy" means sacred or worthy of admiration. The pronunciation of "un-holy" is /ʌnˈhoʊli/ with the stress on the second syllable. The "u" sound is pronounced as in "cup", the "o" sound as in "no", and the "i" sound as in "eye". The hyphen between the two parts of the word indicates a break in pronunciation.

UN-HOLY Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "un-holy" is an adjective that pertains to being devoid of sanctity or divine qualities. It describes something that is characterized by a lack of religious or moral reverence, often associated with impurity, profanity, or wickedness. The prefix "un-" negates the concept of holiness, which refers to the state of being sacred, pure, or consecrated.

    In religious contexts, "un-holy" is typically used to describe actions, places, or objects that are considered unhallowed or sacrilegious, violating the principles or teachings held sacred by a particular faith. It signifies a departure from the divine or transcendent norm, contrasting the sacred with the secular or profane.

    Beyond religious connotations, "un-holy" can also be employed in a broader sense to express a departure from principles, ethics, or respect deemed essential to human decency or social order. It denotes behavior that is morally reprehensible, tainted by evil, or contrary to accepted standards of righteousness.

    Moreover, the adjective "un-holy" implies an absence of righteousness, virtue, or purity. It suggests a condition or state of being in opposition to the sacred, veering towards darkness or malevolence. Its usage encompasses various realms, from describing individuals or actions that defy religious principles, to characterizing acts that contravene societal norms, often conveying a sense of desecration or sacrilege.

Common Misspellings for UN-HOLY

  • unholy
  • un holly
  • unpholy
  • un0-holy
  • un-0holy
  • unp-holy
  • un-pholy
  • un--holy
  • u.-holy
  • un-hoely
  • un-holey
  • un-wholly
  • un-holiy

Etymology of UN-HOLY

The word "unholy" comes from the combination of the prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "opposite of", and the word "holy", which derives from the Old English word "hālig". "Hālig" referred to something or someone that was dedicated or consecrated to a particular deity or considered spiritually pure or sacred. Over time, "hālig" evolved into the word "holy", which continues to carry the meaning of sacredness, divine, or pure. When the prefix "un-" is added to "holy", it negates or reverses its meaning, creating "unholy", which describes something or someone as impure or lacking sanctity.