The phrase "holds high" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /hoʊldz haɪ/. The word "holds" is spelled with the letter "o" and "l" pronounced as /oʊldz/, while the word "high" is spelled with the "i" and "gh" pronounced as /haɪ/. When pronounced together, "holds high" has a similar sound to "hole sigh," but with a stronger emphasis on the "hi" sound. This phrase conveys a sense of elevation, pride, or esteem, as in "she holds high standards for herself and others."
"Holds high" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of valuing, esteeming, or regarding something or someone with great importance, admiration, or respect. It implies a deep level of regard or admiration for a particular person, object, belief, or idea.
When an individual "holds high" something, it signifies an elevated level of significance that they assign to it. It suggests that they perceive the subject as being exceptional or praiseworthy and accord it a position of honor or prestige in their thoughts, actions, or beliefs. By "holding high," they acknowledge its superiority or excellence, emphasizing its positive attributes or inherent worth.
This phrase can often be used to describe a person's opinion or assessment of someone's character, achievements, or values. For instance, if one "holds high" their mentor, it means they hold their mentor in high esteem and admire their qualities or accomplishments. Similarly, if one "holds high" their principles, they have profound respect and conviction towards those principles, considering them essential and unyielding.
The term "holds high" can also be applied to objects, ideas, or institutions, suggesting their elevated status. For example, if a society "holds high" traditions, it signifies that they value and honor these practices as integral to their cultural identity and heritage. Alternatively, if a company "holds high" customer satisfaction, it means they prioritize and greatly value meeting their customers' needs and expectations.
In essence, "holds high" encapsulates a sense of reverence, appreciation, and endorsement, indicating the elevated regard or esteem that one has for something or someone.
The phrase "holds high" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two words: "holds" and "high".
"Holds" is the third person singular present tense of the verb "hold", which comes from the Old English word "haldan". The Middle English form of "hold" was "holde". The origin of "hold" can be traced back to the Germanic language family, where it shares a common root with Old Norse "halda" and Old High German "haltan". This root is believed to have Proto-Indo-European origins.
"High" originates from the Old English word "heah", which is also found in other Germanic languages like Old Norse "hár" and Old High German "hoch".