Saint
n.kind, resilientformal
Meaning 1
A person formally recognized within a religious tradition for exceptional holiness.
Reach for it when referring accurately to a recognized holy figure or religious title
The chapel preserves a letter attributed to the local saint.
Choose between these
3- professional
when conduct offers a model others can follow
not when An exemplar need not possess religious holiness.
- formal
when a tradition uses that specific rank or devotional title
not when Blessed and saint can mark different stages or categories in a formal process.
- formal
holy person
when spiritual character matters without claiming formal recognition
not when The phrase does not confirm the title or status attached to a saint.
Meaning 2
Someone regarded with affectionate exaggeration as extraordinarily patient or kind.
Reach for it when warmly thanking a person whose goodness carried others through difficulty
Rosa was a saint throughout the chaotic week of the move.
Choose between these
4- playful
when timely practical help produced strong relief
not when A lifesaver solves an urgent problem but need not show sustained goodness.
- warm
angel
when kindness deserves affectionate figurative praise
not when Angel is more fanciful and may praise sweetness rather than patient service.
- warm
good Samaritan
when aid was freely given to a stranger in need
not when This phrase fits a particular helpful act, not someone's whole character.
- literary
when near-perfect virtue is the deliberate claim
not when Paragon sounds lofty and lacks the intimacy of calling a helper a saint.
Said against
4- sinner
- reprobate
- brute
- tormentor
It naturally appears in
4- patron saint
The guild chose a patron saint associated with careful craft.
- canonized saint
A canonized saint may be honored on a dedicated feast day.
- absolute saint
Jon was an absolute saint when the delayed guests finally arrived.
- saint for helping
She was a saint for helping us sort the damaged books.
Where this comes from
The figurative sense is deliberate overstatement and can burden a kind person with expectations of endless patience.
- wiktionary, English noun, person recognized for holiness sense opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, English noun, exceptionally virtuous or patient person sense opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.