What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
saintly
Example
She was known for her saintly devotion to the poor and needy. [saintly: adjective]
Example
He lived a saintly life, always putting others before himself. [saintly: adverb]
holy
Example
The holy book is considered the word of God by many believers. [holy: adjective]
Example
She spent her life in service to God, living a holy and devout existence. [holy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Holy is more commonly used than saintly in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and is more versatile. Saintly is less common and is typically reserved for specific contexts related to religious or moral character.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between saintly and holy?
While holy is generally considered more formal than saintly, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and tone of the communication.
