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sacred phrase

Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Language treated as holy, consecrated, or set apart from ordinary speech

Detailed Definition
Sacred phrases borrow cadence and diction from liturgy or scripture, imbuing poetry with reverence; they mark moments of encounter with the numinous, where words become vessels for grace, awe, or divine presence.
Example
Example in poetry:
Sacred phrase: “Shalom aleichem” (“Peace be upon you,” Hebrew greeting with liturgical roots); “Namo Amitabha” (“Homage to the Buddha of Infinite Light,” in East Asian devotional poetry); “La ilaha illallah” (“There is no god but God,” foundational in Islamic verse); “Kyrie eleison” (“Lord, have mercy,” in Byzantine hymns and Western requiems); “Aum mani padme hum” (Tibetan Buddhist mantra embedded in poetic chants).
Additional Notes
Sacred phrases are treated as consecrated: “In the beginning was the Word”; they derive power from belief, not syntax; use them sparingly—overuse dilutes sanctity; pair with silence or profane language to heighten contrast; related to sacred utterance, hymnal phrase, and liturgical phrase; ideal for poems exploring faith, doubt, or the sacred in the mundane.
Also Known As
holy phrase consecrated phrase sacred utterance
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