holy year: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, religious, historical
Quick answer
What does “holy year” mean?
In Roman Catholicism, a period during which special indulgences are granted to those who make a pilgrimage to Rome.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Roman Catholicism, a period during which special indulgences are granted to those who make a pilgrimage to Rome.
More broadly, a designated year of special religious observance, forgiveness, or celebration, often marked by pilgrimages and spiritual renewal. Can be used metaphorically for any period of significant celebration or reflection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term primarily in Catholic contexts.
Connotations
Same religious and formal connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both British and American English, limited to specific religious or historical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “holy year” in a Sentence
Pope X declared/proclaimed a holy year.The holy year of Y was a time for Z.Pilgrims flocked to Rome during the holy year.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy year” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Pope will inaugurate the Holy Year.
American English
- The pontiff is set to open the Holy Year.
adjective
British English
- The holy year indulgences attracted many pilgrims.
American English
- Holy year celebrations culminated in a mass at St. Peter's.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or theological contexts to discuss Catholic traditions.
Everyday
Very rarely used outside of conversations about religion or news regarding the Pope.
Technical
Specific technical term within Catholic canon law and theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy year”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy year”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy year”
- Using lowercase for the official Catholic event (should be capitalised: Holy Year).
- Using it generically for any religiously significant year outside the Catholic context without explanation.
- Misspelling as 'wholly year'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ordinary Holy Years are traditionally celebrated every 25 years. The Pope can also proclaim extraordinary Holy Years for special occasions.
It is very rare. It might be used metaphorically or poetically, but for other religions, specific terms like 'Jubilee' (in Judaism) or 'Hajj Year' would be more accurate.
Its main purposes are spiritual renewal, the granting of plenary indulgences under certain conditions, and an encouragement to pilgrimage and reconciliation.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. Most English speakers would only encounter it in news reports about the Pope or in historical/religious texts.
In Roman Catholicism, a period during which special indulgences are granted to those who make a pilgrimage to Rome.
Holy year is usually formal, religious, historical in register.
Holy year: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli ˈjɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli ˈjɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a holy year every day. (metaphorical: a rare occasion for celebration or forgiveness)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'holey' year being filled with spiritual opportunities, mending the holes in one's faith.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CYCLE OF RENEWAL; FORGIVENESS IS A CLEANSING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'Holy Year'?