Pronunciation: [sˈanktjuːəɹˌiz] (IPA) 
The word "Sanctuaries" is spelled with three syllables - /ˈsæŋk.tʃu.ɛr.i/ - and follows the pattern of "sanctuary," with an added "-ies" at the end to denote plural. The first syllable is pronounced /ˈsæŋk/ with a short "a" sound, followed by /tʃu/ with a "ch" sound, and ending with /ɛr.i/ pronounced with a long "e" sound. "Sanctuaries" refers to places of safety or refuge, often for wildlife or endangered species.
Sanctuaries are designated areas or spaces that provide safety, protection, and refuge for humans, animals, or certain groups of individuals. They serve as places of solace, typically away from harm or danger, and are often associated with religious or spiritual practices.
In a religious context, sanctuaries are locations within places of worship, such as churches, temples, or mosques, that are considered holy or sacred. These spaces are often set apart, symbolically and physically, from the rest of the structure, and are used for rituals, prayer, and reflection. They are seen as a connection point between the divine and the earthly realm, providing a sense of peace, serenity, and divine presence.
Sanctuaries also extend beyond religious settings. In the natural world, they refer to protected areas that are designated to conserve and preserve ecosystems, habitats, and the diverse array of plant and animal species within them. These areas may be managed by governments, non-profit organizations, or private entities, and often have legal protections in place to prevent or limit human disturbance or exploitation.
Furthermore, sanctuaries can be social spaces that offer safety and comfort to marginalized groups or individuals. They can provide a safe haven for individuals who are fleeing persecution, seeking asylum, or escaping violence, offering them temporary respite and support. These social sanctuaries can take different forms, including community centers, shelters, or support groups, aiming to create an inclusive and accepting environment for those in need.
Overall, sanctuaries encompass various realms, from religious and spiritual contexts to natural and social settings, with the common thread of providing a place of refuge, protection, and tranquility.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word sanctuary can be traced back to the Latin word sanctuarium, which is derived from the root word sanctus, meaning holy or sacred. In ancient Rome, a sanctuarium referred to a sacred or holy place, often a temple or shrine dedicated to a deity. This evolved into the Middle English word sanctuarie and eventually became the modern-day word sanctuary.
