chaste

Chaste is an adjective that describes a person who refrains from sexual activity or from sexual relations outside a prescribed norm, and more broadly, someone considered morally pure or modest in behavior, dress, or speech. The related noun chastity denotes the state or practice of holding such restraint. In common usage, chaste can refer to abstinence, fidelity, or the avoidance of sexual conduct deemed inappropriate by a given culture or tradition.

The word derives from Latin castus, meaning pure, which passed into Old French as chaste before entering English. Chastity is often discussed in relation to celibacy, which is a more specific commitment to abstain from sexual activity, usually for religious or spiritual reasons and often for a defined period or a lifetime.

Chastity has played a central role in many religious and moral systems. In Christianity, concepts of chastity and sexual integrity are linked to virtue and the proper expression of sexuality within marriage; similar ideals appear in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other traditions, though expectations and practices vary. Social norms about chastity have also intersected with gender, marriage, and family life, leading to differing pressures on individuals.

In contemporary discourse, chaste is frequently used in literature or media to describe a character marked by restraint or modesty; it can be employed neutrally or illustratively, but it may also be perceived as judgmental or gendered depending on context. Overall, chastity remains a culturally contingent concept reflecting personal belief, religious teaching, and social norms.