chaste

[ cheyst ]

adjective

, chast·er, chast·est.

1. refraining from sexual intercourse that is regarded as contrary to morality or religion; virtuous.

   Synonyms: continent

   Antonyms: immoral

2. virgin.
3. not engaging in sexual relations; celibate.
4. free from obscenity; decent:

   chaste conversation.

   Synonyms: proper, decorous, clean

   Antonyms: coarse

5. undefiled or stainless:

   chaste, white snow.

   Synonyms: unsullied

6. pure in style; not excessively ornamented; simple.

   Synonyms: neat, unaffected

   Antonyms: ornate

7. Obsolete. not married.

chaste

/ tʃeɪst /

adjective

1. not having experienced sexual intercourse; virginal
2. abstaining from sexual intercourse, esp that which is unlawful or immoral
3. (of conduct, speech, etc) pure; decent; modest
4. (of style or taste) free from embellishment; simple; restrained

Derived Forms

• ˈchastely, adverb
• ˈchasteness, noun

Other Words From

• chastely adverb
• chasteness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaste¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin castus “clean, pure, chaste”

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaste¹

C13: from Old French, from Latin castus pure; compare caste

Example Sentences

She says the idea of the Sisterhood choosing to be chaste and not have men around is something considered “intensely mysterious and threatening.”

From Los Angeles Times

Other lies asserted that Black people weren’t as smart or chaste or hardworking as white people, even though many examples to the contrary abounded, and even though the entire Southern plantation economy was sustained by forced labor under the most brutal conditions.

From Salon

Despite the emphasis on Queenie’s sexual exploits and exploitation, the show is often prim: A car horn bleeps out a naughty word, and even the sex scenes are clothed and rather chaste.

From New York Times

With the “Too Hot to Handle” games, for example, players must choose whether to stay chaste with the other animated contestants or break the rules by making out or having sex in a suite.

From Los Angeles Times

Chris Van Dusen breaks down Season 2 of the Netflix juggernaut, from a new, more chaste approach to the central romance to writing out Regé-Jean Page.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• celibate
• monogamous
• platonic
• subdued
• unblemished
• virginal