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

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