51Թ

Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

chaste

[ cheyst ]

adjective

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

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

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

    chaste conversation.

    Synonyms: , ,

    Antonyms:

  4. undefiled or stainless:

    chaste, white snow.

    Synonyms:

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

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms:

  6. Obsolete. not married.


chaste

/ ʃɪ /

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
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈ󲹲ٱ, adverb
  • ˈ󲹲ٱԱ, noun
Discover More

Other 51Թ Forms

  • 󲹲ٱl adverb
  • 󲹲ٱn noun
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of chaste1

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

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of chaste1

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

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He called it “an excellent example of the Midcentury Modern style,” noting its Googie-style sign, “simple geometric volumes, low sloped roof, relatively chaste exterior walls and decorative concrete blocks.”

From

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

From

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

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

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

From

Advertisement

Related 51Թs

Discover More

About This 51Թ

What doeschaste 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 doeschaste 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 ischaste 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.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement