Reading Theme:
Sanctuary: Definition, Usage & Real-Life Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：safe haven (sanctuary)
sanctuary
/ˈsæŋktʃuˌeri/
n.
A safe place where you can go to escape from danger, trouble, or stress and feel protected.
safe haven
➕
/seɪf ˈheɪvən/
n.
A location that provides protection and tranquility from danger, trouble, or stress.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'sanctuarium', from 'sanctus' (holy), meaning a sacred place.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'sanct' (holy) + 'uary' (place) – a holy place for safety and peace.
📖 Example
For many students, the library is a quiet sanctuary away from the noisy dormitory.
For many students, the library serves as a peaceful refuge from the noisy dormitory.
🔗 Collocations
seek sanctuary – to look for a safe place for protection
offer sanctuary – to provide a safe refuge to someone
find sanctuary – to discover a place of safety
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
danger zone (n.) – an area with high risk or peril
threat (n.) – something that poses risk or danger
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'sanctuarium', originally the holiest part of a church. It evolved to denote any place of refuge, like animal sanctuaries for protection.
Meaning 2：animal refuge (sanctuary)
sanctuary
/ˈsæŋktʃuˌeri/
n.
An area of land or water where wild animals are protected and can live safely, especially for those that are injured or endangered.
animal refuge
➕
/ˈænɪməl ˈrɛfjuːdʒ/
n.
A protected area dedicated to the conservation and care of wild animals, especially those injured or endangered.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We visited an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, where rescued animals are cared for and allowed to roam freely.
We toured an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, where rescued elephants receive care and freedom.
🔗 Collocations
wildlife sanctuary – a protected area for wild animals and plants
bird sanctuary – a reserve specifically for bird protection
marine sanctuary – a protected ocean area for marine life
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
hunting ground (n.) – an area where animals are pursued and killed
exploitation zone (n.) – a region where resources are extracted without protection
Meaning 3：holy place (sanctuary)
sanctuary
/ˈsæŋktʃuˌeri/
n.
The holiest part inside a religious building, such as a church or temple, where the main ceremonies happen.
holy place
➕
/ˈhoʊli pleɪs/
n.
The most sacred area within a religious building, where main ceremonies and rituals are conducted.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The beautiful stained-glass windows in the church's sanctuary filled the room with colorful light during the morning service.
The stained-glass windows illuminated the church's sanctuary with vibrant colors during the service.
🔗 Collocations
church sanctuary – the main hall of a church for worship
temple sanctuary – the inner sacred area of a temple
altar sanctuary – the space around the altar in a religious building
🔄 Synonyms
shrine (n.) – a place considered holy due to associations with divinity
sacred space (n.) – an area dedicated to religious or spiritual activities
holy of holies (n.) – the innermost and most sacred part of a temple
🚫 Antonyms
profane space (n.) – an area not dedicated to religious purposes
secular area (n.) – a place with no religious significance
Wordbook
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