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

• ˈchasteness, noun
• ˈchastely, adverb

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

None of that happened and Jéiser continued to do his thing, despite my advice to remain chaste.

From Washington Blade

As we see the marriage market unfold in all its patriarchal glory, Whistledown tells us that the “titled, chaste and innocent” daughters of the Ton have been preparing for marriage “since birth.”

From Washington Post

Novelty aside, the real question is whether these avowedly chaste men of the cloth are listening.

From The Daily Beast

Unlike the chaste boys club devotees of ‘Dungeons and Losers’ (oops, ‘Dragons’) of yore, women play the new games and like them.

From The Daily Beast

This stood in contrast to the chaste 19th century, when marriage, rather than romance, was the main topic of interest.

From The Daily Beast

There is a sense that Bennett is the real deal: he is the authentic Zionist, the chaste politician, the man with a plan.

From The Daily Beast

She has no problem chugging a beer with dad, all the while staying chaste.

From The Daily Beast

She may be as chaste as unsunned snow, she is certainly as cold: but for warm, inspiring virtue!

From Project Gutenberg

She sunk into Mr. Bumbles arms; and that gentleman, in his agitation, imprinted a passionate kiss upon her chaste nose.

From Project Gutenberg

The elegant roof was supported on three rows of red sandstone pillars, adorned with chaste gilding and stucco-work.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, he could actually use a sextant, and his way of working out his latitude was chaste and picturesque.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Forten is a gentleman of fine education, a pure, chaste poet, and attends to farming for the love of nature.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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

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?

• unchaste (adjective)
• chastity (noun)

What are some synonyms for chaste?

• pure
• celibate
• abstinent

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

• chastity belt
• caste

 

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

• virtue
• sex
• virginity
• innocent
• marriage
• remain

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.

Are you staying chaste because of your religion or because you want to?

— ANGEL TOPEDO 🤺 (@ThoughtPillow) September 7, 2020

Women don’t need to be polite all the time. We don’t need to be permanently professional. We don’t need to pretend to be chaste, innocent beings who blush at the idea of sex to make men comfortable. Don’t EVER feel obligated to make a man comfortable.

— Empress of the Demon Council (@formerlypissed) September 7, 2020

There's just something about a man in a well-tailored suit that makes me forget my name, religion, and pure chaste moral values

— FJ Thee REAL Racist (@FeministaJones) May 23, 2013