hallowed
hallowed
Pronunciation
/ˈhæləʊd/
hal: /hæl/
/h/ as in "hat"
/æ/ as in "cat"
/l/ as in "lip"
lowed: /ləʊd/
/l/ as in "let"
/əʊ/ as in "go" (diphthong)
/d/ as in "dog"
Word Form Variations
hallowed (adjective): This is the base form, meaning consecrated, holy, or revered. This is the form you'll most commonly encounter. "The hallowed ground."
hallow (verb): This is the verb form, meaning to make holy or to consecrate. "They hallowed the new church." Related verb forms exist:
hallows (3rd person singular present): "He hallows the ancient traditions."
hallowing (present participle/gerund): "The hallowing ceremony took place."
hallowed (past participle): "The ground was hallowed by ancient rites." (Note: This is the same spelling as the adjective, but functions grammatically as a verb form here.)
hallowed (simple past): "They hallowed the temple."
hallowing (noun): This is the noun form of the verb, referring to the act of making holy. "The hallowing of the new year."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition 1: Regarded as holy or sacred; consecrated. This implies a deep respect and reverence, often associated with religious or deeply meaningful places, objects, or traditions.
Synonyms: sacred, holy, consecrated, blessed, revered, sanctified, divine
Antonyms: profane, secular, unholy, desecrated, irreverent, common
Example: "The hallowed halls of the ancient university echoed with history."
Definition 2: Highly respected or esteemed; cherished. This extends the meaning beyond the strictly religious to encompass things held in great value.
Synonyms: respected, esteemed, honored, valued, cherished, venerable
Antonyms: despised, disrespected, dishonored, trivial, insignificant
Example: "The hallowed tradition of storytelling was passed down through generations."
Verb (hallow):
Definition: To make holy; to consecrate or sanctify. This is the act of setting something apart as sacred.
Synonyms: consecrate, sanctify, bless, dedicate, hallow, make sacred
Antonyms: desecrate, profane, pollute, dishonor, defile
Example: "The priest hallowed the new church with a special ceremony."
Noun (hallowing):
Definition: The act or process of making something holy; consecration. This refers to the event or ritual itself.
Synonyms: consecration, sanctification, blessing, dedication, purification
Antonyms: desecration, profanation, defilement
Example: "The hallowing of the battlefield turned it into a place of pilgrimage."
Examples of Use
Adjective ("hallowed"):
Literature: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: 'tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but 'to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,' and if that's not slavery, then there is no such thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God." (Thomas Paine, Common Sense). While not using the exact word "hallowed," Paine's text evokes the sense of a sacred cause, a fight for something deeply valued. Later uses of this text often refer to the "hallowed cause of liberty."
News/Online Publications: "The hallowed ground of Gettysburg..." (Numerous articles about the Gettysburg battlefield, a common phrase used during commemorations and historical pieces). This phrase is frequently used when discussing the battlefield, emphasizing its significance and the respect due to it. You can find examples of this phrasing in articles from the New York Times, Washington Post, and other news outlets.
Entertainment: "Hallowed be thy name" (The Lord's Prayer, a common phrase in religious contexts and used in various films and television shows). This is a direct use of the word in a sacred context.
Public Discourse: "We must protect our hallowed traditions." (A common sentiment expressed during debates about cultural change, often heard in political speeches or discussions about preserving cultural heritage). This usage often appears in political discourse when discussing values, traditions, or institutions.
Verb ("hallow"):
Religious Texts: "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." (Genesis 2:3, King James Bible. While "sanctified" is used here, many other translations use "hallowed"). This is a classic example of the verb used in a religious context.
Historical Accounts: "The king hallowed the new cathedral." (This type of sentence appears in historical texts describing ceremonies and dedications of religious buildings). You'll find such descriptions in history books and articles about the construction and dedication of important religious sites.
Noun ("hallowing"):
Religious Ceremonies: "The hallowing of the church took place on Sunday." (This type of sentence might be found in church bulletins or news reports about religious events). This usage is common in describing religious rites and ceremonies.
10 Famous Quotes Using Hallowed
“Courage becomes hallowed when it serves more than the self.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said even ordinary moments become hallowed when lived with intention.” (Unknown)
“History is written on hallowed ground made by sacrifice.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that love turns spaces hallowed simply by being present.” (Unknown)
“Traditions endure because something hallowed lives within them.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions rise when the people reclaim what they believe is hallowed.” (Unknown)
“A leader’s word becomes hallowed when matched by consistent action.” (Unknown)
“Grief transforms memories into hallowed treasures.” (Unknown)
“Community forms when shared purpose creates hallowed bonds.” (Unknown)
“Hope is hallowed when held through the darkest seasons.” (Unknown)
Etymology
"Hallowed" comes from the Old English word "halgian," which meant "to make holy, consecrate, or sanctify." Think of it like making something sacred or setting it apart for a special, holy purpose. This Old English word is related to other words like "halig" (holy) and "hælu" (health, well-being). It shares a root with words like "whole" and "hale," suggesting a connection to wholeness and completeness. The idea is that something "hallowed" is made whole or complete in a spiritual sense.
The earliest known use of "halgian" (and thus the root of "hallowed") dates back to around the 8th century. This was a time when the English language was still developing, and much of what we know about it comes from religious texts and early writings. The primary meaning at that time was, as mentioned, to make something holy or to consecrate it, often in a religious context.
So, in simple terms, "hallowed" essentially means "made holy." It carries a sense of deep respect, reverence, and often a connection to something sacred or deeply meaningful. The word's history shows us how important the concept of holiness and consecration has been for a long time.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Hallowed
Alternatives and Evocative Phrases (Original and Inspired):
Since direct idioms are scarce, we can explore phrases that capture the feeling of "hallowed," its sense of reverence, respect, and sacredness:
"Sacred space": This phrase, while not using "hallowed," conveys a similar sense of a place set apart and worthy of respect. It's often used in discussions of nature, art, or personal sanctuaries.
"Revered tradition": This captures the idea of something deeply respected and passed down through generations, similar to the respect given to something "hallowed."
"Consecrated ground": A near synonym and evokes a similar feeling.
"A place of pilgrimage": While not using the word directly, this phrase suggests a place held in such high regard that people travel to it as a form of reverence, similar to the respect for "hallowed ground."
"Held in awe": This describes the feeling one might have towards something "hallowed" – a sense of wonder and deep respect.
"The shrine of memory": This evokes the idea of a place dedicated to remembrance, similar to the function of "hallowed ground."
Original phrases:
"The hallowed halls of learning" (evokes a sense of respect for education).
"Hallowed be the bond between us" (suggests a sacredness to a relationship).
"To walk on hallowed paths" (implies following a righteous or respected course).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of hallowed from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
