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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

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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What are some other forms related to chaste?

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

 

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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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