What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
divine
Example
The ancient Greeks believed that Apollo was a divine being. [divine: adjective]
Example
The singer's voice was so beautiful, it sounded almost divine. [divine: adjective]
holy
Example
The holy book of Islam is the Quran. [holy: adjective]
Example
The priest blessed the congregation with holy water. [holy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Holy is more commonly used than divine in everyday language. Holy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while divine is less common and is usually reserved for more poetic or philosophical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between divine and holy?
Both divine and holy can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, holy is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as religious ceremonies or academic writing, while divine is more commonly used in informal contexts, such as poetry or literature.
