Chastest

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting an exemplary adherence to virtue and purity, showcasing a significant level of naivety and propriety in conduct, and representing the highest form of self-discipline in romantic matters
2. Displaying the highest degree of moral cleanliness and innocence, being exceptionally proper in behavior, and showing outstanding restraint in matters of love
3. Representing the utmost level of innocence and modesty, characterized by impeccable ethical standards and strong self-control regarding affection

Etymology: "Chastest" is simply the superlative of "chaste", so its history is that of the base word. The adjective "chaste" came into Middle English from Old French, where "chaste" already meant "morally pure", and the French word in turn came from the Latin "castus", meaning "pure". The Latin root carries the original sense of purity in a general, physical way, not only a sexual one. Over time English narrowed "chaste" mainly to sexual purity, and the superlative "chastest" inherits that focus, so it denotes the most morally pure or, in its common use, the most sexually abstinent.

Synonyms: purest, virtuous

Antonyms: impure, sinful