holy
UK[ˈhəʊli]US[ˈhoʊli]
adj
connected with god or a god; considered to be special and treated with respect because of this
adj
very religious and morally good
Etymology
the modern english adjective 'holy' descends directly from the old english 'hālig', meaning 'sacred, consecrated, saintly'. this old english term is itself derived from the proto-germanic 'hailaga-', a word formed from the root 'haila-' meaning 'whole, uninjured, of good omen'. the conceptual link is profound: that which is sacred or holy is set apart, complete, and inviolable. this germanic root is also the ancestor of the modern word 'whole', illustrating the ancient idea of holiness as a state of spiritual wholeness and soundness dedicated to the divine.
Analysis
the word 'holy' is a simplex word derived from old english 'hālig', which is a whole unit meaning 'sacred, consecrated'. it is not productively formed from smaller, free morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the holy city of jerusalem is sacred to three major world religions.
she leads a holy life, dedicated to prayer and service.
the bible is considered a holy book by christians.