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View synonyms for chaste

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

    chaste conversation.

    Synonyms: proper, decorous, clean

    Antonyms: coarse

  4. undefiled or stainless:

    chaste, white snow.

    Synonyms: unsullied

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

    Synonyms: neat, unaffected

    Antonyms: ornate

  6. 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈchastely, adverb
  • ˈchasteness, noun
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Other Words From

  • chastely adverb
  • chasteness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of chaste1

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

Origin of chaste1

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

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.

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.

It keeps the romance chaste, features an appealing diverse cast and skips the Sam Elliot mentor character altogether.

From Salon

K-dramas are famously chaste, which is part of their global appeal.

From BBC

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About This Word

What does chaste mean?

Chaste is most commonly used to describe someone who refrains from sexual activity that’s considered immoral, especially according to the teachings of a certain religion.

The state or quality of being chaste is chastity.

The word chaste can also be used to describe someone who refrains from all sexual activity—someone who is celibate. When members of certain religions take a vow of chastity, this is usually what it means.

Chaste can also be used in a more general way to mean morally pure.

Example: When I went to Catholic high school, my religion teachers always emphasized the virtue of being chaste.

Where does chaste come from?

The first records of the word chaste come from around 1200. It comes from the Latin castus, meaning “pure.” The word caste comes from the same root.

Whether someone is considered morally pure or chaste heavily depends on cultural and religious norms, and the idea of chastity may differ from one religion to another or one person to another. In Christianity, the word chaste is typically used to describe those who avoid sexual activity outside of marriage or sexual activity without the goal of reproduction. Describing someone as unchaste is a moral judgment, and the person may take offense to this, especially if they don’t believe in the same set of morals. In many religions, the promotion of chastity has traditionally been directed more toward women, leading some people to criticize such lessons as sexist or oppressive.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to chaste?

What are some synonyms for chaste?

What are some words that share a root or word element with chaste

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing chaste?

How is chaste used in real life?

The word chaste is usually used in the context of religion, or in the criticism of religious teaching about such things.

 

 

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