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Practice Celibate with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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What does celibate mean?

Voluntarily choosing to abstain from engaging in sexual activity or from entering into a marital or sexual relationship.
"The priest was committed to living a celibate life as a part of his religious vows."

Detailed Meaning of Celibate

Celibacy is often associated with religious or personal reasons, such as vows taken by clergy in some religious traditions to remain celibate as a commitment to their faith. However, individuals may also choose celibacy for various personal, ethical, or lifestyle reasons, apart from any religious context. A celibate lifestyle emphasizes the absence of sexual activity or intimate partnerships and underscores the individual's choice to lead a life without such engagements.

Example Sentences for Celibate

1. The celibate priest devoted his life to spiritual service.
2. She chose to remain celibate to focus on her career.
3. Many monks and nuns embrace a celibate lifestyle.
4. His commitment to celibate living was unwavering.
5. Being celibate allowed her to explore personal growth.
6. The vow of celibacy is central to their religious order.

Origin and Etymology of Celibate

The adjective 'celibate' has its origins in the Latin word 'caelibatus,' which is derived from 'caelebs,' meaning 'unmarried' or 'single.' In ancient Rome, 'caelebs' referred to individuals who were not married and, by extension, often implied abstention from sexual relations. The term 'celibate' gradually evolved in English to describe the voluntary choice of abstaining from sexual activity or refraining from entering into a marital or sexual relationship. This etymology underscores the historical connection between celibacy and the state of being unmarried, emphasizing the choice to remain single and chaste as a central aspect of its meaning.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding 

Find the correct meaning of the adjective celibate:

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More Usage Examples of Celibate

1. He found fulfillment in a celibate life of meditation.
2. She admired his dedication to the celibate path.
3. The celibate monks meditated in tranquil solitude.
4. Celibate individuals often experience unique challenges.
5. The celibate lifestyle offers inner peace and clarity.
6. He maintained a celibate existence for spiritual reasons.
7. Celibate relationships are built on deep emotional bonds.
8. They celebrated their love within their celibate union.
9. Celibate monks renounce earthly desires for enlightenment.
10. Being celibate allowed her to pursue her passions fully.
11. The celibate priest served as a guiding light to many.
12. They supported each other's celibate journeys.
13. The vow of celibacy is a profound commitment.
14. Choosing to be celibate can be a path to self-discovery.
15. She made the decision to remain celibate until she found the right partner.
16. Many monks and nuns take a vow of celibacy as a part of their religious practice.
17. He was celibate for many years before finding the love of his life.
18. The celebrity announced that they had chosen to remain celibate until marriage.
19. Some people choose to live a celibate lifestyle for personal or spiritual reasons.
20. The professor wrote extensively about the history of celibacy in religious traditions.
21. She found it difficult to maintain her celibacy in a culture that places such a high value on sexual activity.
22. The group promoted the benefits of a celibate lifestyle for physical and mental health.
23. The counselor helped the patient work through their fears and concerns about living a celibate life.
24. The athlete decided to remain celibate during their training to focus on their sport.
25. The writer explored the complexities of celibacy in their novel, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the lifestyle.

Synonyms and Related Words for Celibate

continent
innocent
pure
virgin
virginal

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Vocabulary Lists  >  Denial and Defiance  >  Celibate
IPA: /ˈsɛlɪbət/

How to pronounce celibate in IPA:

s=sip | ɛ=bed | l=lip | ɪ=sit | b=bin | ə=about | t=top

Celibate (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

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celibate

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