saint

Everyday

1. A saint is a person who the Christian Church (and some other religions) honours because they lived a very good and holy life. tree →
2. A very kind, patient and good person. tree →

In the lessons

Used in religious education and history: patron saints of countries (Saint George, Saint Patrick, Saint Andrew, Saint David). Many festivals are saints' days (St Patrick's Day, St Valentine's Day). Place names: St Paul's, St Ives. Phrase: "you're a saint" = you are very kind.

Examples

• Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. tree →
• St Valentine's Day is in February. tree →
• Our school is named after a saint. tree →
• You are a saint for helping me tidy up! tree →
• The church has a window showing a saint. tree →
• Saint Nicholas is linked to Santa Claus. tree →
• "I'm an honest man," says Saint Kavin. tree →

Note

Written "St" or "St." before a name: St Andrew. Do not confuse "St" (Saint) with "St" (Street). Adjective: saintly.

In Jewish tradition

The Psalms use it for those who are loyal to God (Hebrew chasidim), whose death is precious to Him.

Interpretation. Jewish tradition reads these as the righteous who love God, and the word chasid later came to mean a pious person.

Examples

• Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. (Writings PSA.116.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let Thy saints shout for joy. (Writings PSA.132.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• All Thy works shall praise Thee, O LORD; and Thy saints shall bless Thee. (Writings PSA.145.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Written "St" or "St." before a name: St Andrew. Do not confuse "St" (Saint) with "St" (Street). Adjective: saintly.