Definition

Choosing not to engage in sexual relationships, often for religious or personal reasons.

Example

He decided to live a celibate life to focus on his spiritual growth.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about living a celibate life?

Not really, I enjoy dating too much.

Yeah, I get that, but some people find it really fulfilling to be celibate.

That’s true! It must take a lot of discipline, though.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A person who chooses not to engage in sexual activity, often for religious reasons or personal beliefs.

Example

He decided to live as a celibate to focus on his spiritual growth.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about being celibate for a while?

Not really, but I know some people choose that lifestyle for personal reasons.

Yeah, I guess it can be a way to focus on other things in life.

Root Explanation

Celibate → It is derived from the Latin 'caelibatus' (meaning unmarried or single), which comes from 'caelebs' (meaning single or unmarried). The word 'celibate' refers to the state of being unmarried or abstaining from sexual relations, often for religious reasons.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin word for unmarried ('caelibatus') to remember that 'celibate' means someone who chooses to remain unmarried or abstain from sexual activity.

Visually Confused Words