What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
holy
Example
The holy book of Christianity is the Bible. [holy: adjective]
Example
The holy city of Mecca is the most important pilgrimage site for Muslims. [holy: adjective]
Example
Holy cow! That was an amazing performance. [holy: interjection]
sacred
Example
The sacred temple of Angkor Wat is a popular tourist attraction in Cambodia. [sacred: adjective]
Example
The Native American tribe considers the land to be sacred and has protected it for generations. [sacred: adjective]
Example
The doctor-patient relationship is sacred and should be treated with utmost care. [sacred: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sacred is more commonly used than holy in everyday language. Sacred can be used in a wider range of contexts and has a broader meaning than holy, which is often limited to religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between holy and sacred?
Both holy and sacred can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, holy may be perceived as more formal due to its religious connotations.
