Religious: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to someone who follows and practices the rites and rituals of a specific religion. Suitable for general discussions about faith and organized religion.

• She attends religious services every Sunday.
• He follows all the religious customs of his community.

Ideal for situations discussing inner feelings and personal beliefs that may not be connected to organized religion. Suitable when referring to more personal, individual experiences of the divine or sacred.

• He finds peace through spiritual practices like meditation.
• Her spiritual journey has led her to explore many different beliefs.

Appropriate when describing someone who is deeply committed and shows strong devotion to their religion. Often used to highlight a person's intense religious fervor.

• He is a devout Catholic, praying multiple times a day.
• Her devout faith guided her actions throughout her life.

Best used to describe someone who remains loyal and true to their religious beliefs or commitments. Can also be used in a broader sense to indicate loyalty in other contexts.

• She is faithful to her religious duties and never misses a service.
• He remained faithful to his promises.

Use when speaking generally about faith, spirituality, or practices related to a belief system or religion.

• She attended a religious ceremony at the temple
• He has religious beliefs that guide his life

Refer to someone who is deeply religious and shows a lot of devotion, often used in a slightly more formal or literary context.

• She is known for her pious lifestyle
• The pious monk spent hours in meditation and prayer

Choose this word when talking about someone who strictly follows religious rules, customs, or laws.

• He is very observant and never misses a prayer
• She comes from an observant Jewish family

Apply when describing someone who is very committed and dedicated to a person, cause, or activity, not necessarily within a religious context.

• She is devoted to her family
• He is devoted to his work as a teacher

This word is suitable when referring to aspects related to religion or faith practices. It can describe people, beliefs, rituals, or institutions.

• She is very religious and attends church every Sunday
• The town has many religious festivals throughout the year

Use this word to describe something that is regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with, often in a reverential or inviolable sense.

• Freedom of speech is sacrosanct in a democracy
• The park's natural beauty is considered sacrosanct and cannot be altered

This word is best used when referring to something that is sacred or consecrated, often in a religious sense. It emphasizes purity and spiritual reverence.

• The priest blessed the holy water
• Jerusalem is considered a holy city by several religions

Use this word when talking about something that is related to a deity or considered god-like. It can also indicate something that is extremely good or delightful.

• The view from the mountaintop was simply divine
• They believed the miracle was a sign of divine intervention