consagrada

Consagrada is the feminine form of the adjective consagrado, derived from Latin consecratus, meaning set apart for sacred use or dedication. In Spanish and Portuguese, consagrada can function as an adjective or as a noun phrase referring to a woman who has undergone religious consecration, or more broadly to a woman who is widely revered in a given field.

In Catholic contexts, a person who has taken vows in a religious institute is described as a consagrada or as a member of vida consagrada. The term emphasizes the consecrated state—poverty, chastity, and obedience—recognized by the Church through canonical vows. It is used alongside terms like religiosa or monja, depending on the specific institute and tradition.

Beyond religious usage, consagrada can describe someone who is widely recognized or esteemed in a secular sense, though the related masculine form consagrado is more common in everyday language. For example, a celebrated author or artist may be referred to as una figura consagrada.

In linguistic use, consagrada functions similarly across Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking contexts, with nuances tied to gender agreement and religious or secular meaning. The related verb consagrar means to consecrate, while consagración denotes the act of consecration or the state of being consecrated.