célibat

celibacy, single life

noun seh-lee-BAH Rare

Origin: Latin caelibatus, from caelebs (unmarried)

Usage Note

Célibat refers to the unmarried state, whether chosen (as in priestly célibat des prêtres) or simply circumstantial. The adjective/noun for a single person is célibataire, which is the more common everyday word (e.g., on a tax form). Célibat itself skews slightly formal or written.

Examples

"Le célibat du clergé reste un sujet de débat."

Natural Translation

Clerical celibacy remains a subject of debate.

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