celibacy
C1Formal / Academic
Definition
Meaning
The state of abstaining from marriage and, in many contexts, sexual relations.
Can refer more broadly to a voluntary abstention from certain pleasures or activities, especially for religious or spiritual reasons. In modern usage, it is often conflated with sexual abstinence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically linked to the unmarried state, especially for religious clergy. Often implies a vow or a chosen, principled lifestyle, rather than a temporary situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in definition. The associated term 'celibate' may be used slightly more broadly in American English to refer to someone not currently sexually active.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with religious vows (e.g., Catholic priesthood). May carry connotations of self-discipline, sacrifice, or (informally) frustration.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; more common in religious, sociological, or biographical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Noun + of + celibacyVerb + to + celibacyAdjective + celibacyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take a vow of celibacy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theology, sociology, religious studies, and history.
Everyday
Used in discussion of personal choices, religion, or relationships.
Technical
Used in specific religious or canonical law contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The monks vow to celibate themselves for life.
American English
- No standard verb form 'to celibate' exists. Use 'practise celibacy' or 'remain celibate'.
adverb
British English
- He lived celibately.
American English
- She chose to live celibately.
adjective
British English
- He leads a celibate lifestyle.
American English
- She remained celibate for a year.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some priests take a vow of celibacy.
- He decided to practise celibacy for personal reasons.
- The rule of clerical celibacy has been debated for centuries within the church.
- After her divorce, she embraced a period of celibacy to focus on herself.
- The sociological study examined the effects of enforced celibacy in certain monastic orders.
- Her philosophical commitment to celibacy was rooted in a desire for spiritual purity rather than religious doctrine.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CELEBRATE alone' → a 'celebrant' (like a priest) who is 'celebrating' a life of 'celibacy'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CELIBACY IS A VOW / A CONTAINER (entering into celibacy, breaking celibacy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'целибат' (direct cognate, same meaning). Avoid using 'безбрачие' which is narrower, meaning only 'unmarried state' without the connotation of sexual abstinence.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'celibacy' to mean simply 'being single' without the intentional abstention. Incorrect: 'She is enjoying her celibacy and dating frequently.'
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate core meaning of 'celibacy'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its most common modern interpretation, yes, it implies sexual abstinence. Historically, it emphasised the unmarried state, but the concepts are now heavily intertwined.
No. While most famously associated with religious vows, individuals may choose celibacy for personal, philosophical, or health reasons without any religious motivation.
Celibacy typically refers to the state of being unmarried and abstinent. Chastity is a broader moral virtue of sexual purity, which can be practised within marriage (as fidelity) or outside of it (as abstinence). A married person cannot be celibate but can be chaste.
Yes, the phrase 'break one's celibacy' or 'break a vow of celibacy' is commonly used to describe ending a period of intentional sexual abstinence.
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