celibate
What does "celibate" mean?
The word "celibate" refers to the state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious reasons. It evokes an image of someone who has intentionally set aside romantic or physical intimacy to dedicate their focus, energy, or devotion to a higher calling or a personal principle. While it is most commonly associated with members of the clergy, such as Catholic priests, it can also describe anyone who chooses to remain unmarried or sexually abstinent by choice. It is a formal term and is not usually used in casual conversation to describe someone who is simply "single" or "dating around."
"celibate" in conversation
Discussing a character's backstory
Why did Julian decide to leave the city and live in that monastery?
Why did Julian decide to leave the city and live in that monastery?
He took a vow of silence and chose to remain celibate to focus entirely on his studies.
He took a vow of silence and chose to remain celibate to focus entirely on his studies.
Used here to describe a formal, life-altering commitment.
At a casual party
Is Dave still seeing that girl from his office?
Is Dave still seeing that girl from his office?
No, he's actually decided to be celibate for a while to get his life in order.
No, he's actually decided to be celibate for a while to get his life in order.
Shows how the word can describe a temporary, self-imposed period of abstinence.
"celibate" in a sentence
The monk lived a celibate life in the mountains.
The monk lived a celibate life in the mountains.
Many religious orders require their members to remain celibate.
Many religious orders require their members to remain celibate.
He viewed his celibate existence as a necessary sacrifice for his intellectual pursuits.
He viewed his celibate existence as a necessary sacrifice for his intellectual pursuits.
