Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| sānctus | |
| sacer | [ˈsa.kɛr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsaː.t͡ʃer] (narrow) |
Both forms are used to describe something that is revered within a religion.
Which one should you use?
sānctus is typically used for things that are set apart as holy through a ritual or are inherently pure and virtuous, meaning it can translate to 'holy', 'sanctified' or 'consecrated'. In contrast, sacer is often used for things that are dedicated to a god or are subject to religious law. It carries a connotation of being 'set apart' in a way that can be both sacred or even cursed/taboo. For this reason, sacer can be translated as 'sacred', 'holy' or 'consecrated'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the context of Medieval Latin, the word sacratus can be used to mean 'holy'. In Vatican Latin, the form sanctissimus is used to express the highest degree of holiness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sacer takes the feminine singular or neuter plural form sacra to agree with its noun.
Did you know?
- In ancient Roman law, the term sacer could describe a person who was 'cursed' or 'sacred' in a negative sense. Such a person was cast out of society and could be killed by anyone without legal penalty because they belonged to the gods.
- The Latin word sacer is a distant relative of the English word 'secret'. Both stem from a root meaning to set something apart or separate it from the ordinary.
- The English word 'sacred' and the Latin sacer share the same ancient roots, which stem from the idea of making a treaty or a pact. This suggests that holiness was originally tied to the legal and social bonds of a formal agreement.
Examples in context
- Alcoranus est liber sacer religionis Islamicae.The Qur'an is the Islamic holy book.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a religious book using sacer.Tatoeba #13613028 by rul, translation #13030263 by rul
- "Et vos eritis mihi regnum sacerdotum et gens sancta." Hæc sunt verba, quæ loqueris ad filios Israel.And you shall be to me a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation. These are the words thou shalt speak to the children of Israel.This sentence demonstrates the use of sacer in a biblical or prophetic context.Tatoeba #8082371 by carlosalberto, translation #8082375 by carlosalberto
- Sanctus SpiritusHoly Spirit
- Sānctus locus est hic.This place is holy.
Example conversation
Two people are visiting a shrine.
- AureliaVideturne hic locus sānctus tibi, Gaie?Does this place seem holy to you, Gaius?
- GaiusIta, Aurelia, valde sānctus videtur.Yes, Aurelia, it seems very holy.
- AureliaSilentium hic custodiendum est.Silence must be kept here.
- GaiusRecte dicis, reverentiam habebimus.You are right, we will show respect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holy” translations and entries sacer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sacer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
