- Today's Word
Hallowed
HAL-ohd (or HAL-uhd)
Definition
- (adjective) Regarded as holy, sacred, or revered.
- Greatly respected or honored.
Example
The soldiers gathered at the hallowed ground of the battlefield to honor those who had given their lives for freedom.
Fun Fact
“Hallowed” originates from the Old English word hālig, meaning “holy” or “sacred.” It shares roots with the word “holy” and gained prominence through religious contexts, especially in phrases like “hallowed be thy name” from the Lord’s Prayer. Over time, the word expanded beyond strictly religious usage to describe anything deeply revered, from historic sites to cherished traditions. Its connection to “All Hallows’ Eve” (Halloween) ties it to ancient customs honoring the dead, underscoring its enduring sense of sanctity.
(adjective) Unwilling to spend money or use resources; extremely frugal to the point of stinginess.
He was so parsimonious that he kept the thermostat at 58 degrees all winter and wore two sweaters instead.