unholy
|un/ho/ly|
B2
🇺🇸
/ʌnˈhoʊli/
🇬🇧
/ʌnˈhəʊli/
not sacred
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unholy' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'unhālig', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'hālig' meant 'holy'.
Historical Evolution
'unhālig' transformed into the Middle English word 'unholi', and eventually became the modern English word 'unholy'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not holy', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not sacred or religious; profane or impious.
The unholy alliance between the two companies raised many ethical questions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42