The difference between Celibate and Unmarried

When used as nouns, celibate means one who is not married, especially one who has taken a religious vow not to get married, usually because of being a member of a religious community, whereas unmarried means an unmarried person.

When used as adjectives, celibate means not married, whereas unmarried means having no husband or wife.


Celibate is also verb with the meaning: to practice celibacy.

check bellow for the other definitions of Celibate and Unmarried

  1. Celibate as an adjective:

    Not married.

  2. Celibate as an adjective (by extension):

    Abstaining from sexual relations and pleasures.

    Examples:

    "Members of religious communities sometimes take vows to remain celibate."

  1. Celibate as a noun:

    One who is not married, especially one who has taken a religious vow not to get married, usually because of being a member of a religious community.

  2. Celibate as a noun (obsolete):

    A celibate state; celibacy.

  1. Celibate as a verb (rare):

    To practice celibacy

  1. Unmarried as an adjective:

    Having no husband or wife.

  1. Unmarried as a noun:

    An unmarried person.