What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
celibate
Example
The priest has chosen to live a celibate life, dedicating himself fully to his faith. [celibate: adjective]
Example
She decided to remain celibate until she finds the right person to share her life with. [celibate: noun]
virgin
Example
She is proud to be a virgin and wants to wait until marriage to have sex. [virgin: noun]
Example
He admitted that he was still a virgin and had never been intimate with anyone. [virgin: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Virgin is a more commonly used term than celibate in everyday language. Virgin is often used to describe someone who has not yet had sexual intercourse, while celibate is more specific to individuals who have chosen to abstain from sex for various reasons.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between celibate and virgin?
Both celibate and virgin can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, celibate may be more commonly used in religious or academic settings, while virgin is more widely understood and used in everyday conversations.
