What is “Celibacy”?
Definition:
Celibacy is the state of voluntarily choosing not to marry or engage in sexual activity, often for religious, spiritual, or personal reasons.
In simple words: Celibacy means not getting married or not having sexual relationships, usually by choice.
Pronunciation:
- IPA: /ˈsel.ə.bə.si/
- Spoken:SELL-uh-buh-see
Grammatical Formation:
- Noun (uncountable)
- Adjective form: celibate
Example:
“Many monks take a vow of celibacy for religious devotion.”
Synonyms:
abstinence, chastity, virginity, self-denial, purity, continence
Antonyms:
sexual activity, indulgence, promiscuity, marriage (in religious context)
Related Terms:
- Celibate – a person who practices celibacy
- Chastity – the state of remaining pure or abstaining from sexual conduct
- Abstinence – deliberate avoidance of something, especially sex or alcohol
- Vow of celibacy – a formal promise to remain celibate
Common Collocations:
- vow of celibacy
- practice celibacy
- religious celibacy
- lifelong celibacy
- embrace celibacy
- sexual celibacy
Idiomatic Usage & Expressions:
- “Take a vow of celibacy” – commit formally to remaining unmarried and abstinent
Example: “The priest took a vow of celibacy as part of his religious duties.” - “Live in celibacy” – to live a life without sexual relationships or marriage
Example: “She chose to live in celibacy to focus on spiritual growth.” - “Celibate by choice” – describing someone who chooses celibacy for personal reasons
Example: “He is celibate by choice, not due to religious reasons.”
Sample Sentences:
- “Celibacy is a key principle in many religious orders.”
- “After his divorce, he chose a life of celibacy and reflection.”
- “The nun practiced celibacy as a form of spiritual dedication.”
- “Some people choose celibacy to focus on their career or personal goals.”
- “Celibacy doesn’t mean someone is asexual; it’s a choice of behavior.”
Summary:
Celibacy is the voluntary choice to remain unmarried or to avoid sexual relationships. It can be spiritual, personal, or lifestyle-driven. It is commonly practiced in religious traditions like Catholicism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Using this word correctly in English allows for clearer communication about personal values, religious practices, and life decisions.