Religious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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religious
[rษชหlษชdสษs ]
Definitions
belief
Relating to or believing in a religion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| religious |
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.
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| spiritual |
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.
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| devout |
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.
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| faithful |
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.
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Examples of usage
- Many people find comfort in their religious beliefs.
- She comes from a very religious family.
practice
Complying with the precepts of a particular religion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| religious |
Use when speaking generally about faith, spirituality, or practices related to a belief system or religion.
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| pious |
Refer to someone who is deeply religious and shows a lot of devotion, often used in a slightly more formal or literary context.
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| observant |
Choose this word when talking about someone who strictly follows religious rules, customs, or laws.
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| devoted |
Apply when describing someone who is very committed and dedicated to a person, cause, or activity, not necessarily within a religious context.
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Examples of usage
- He leads a religious life, attending church every Sunday.
- The monks follow a strict religious routine.
sacred
Worthy of worship; considered holy or divine.
Synonyms
divine, holy, sacrosanct.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| religious |
This word is suitable when referring to aspects related to religion or faith practices. It can describe people, beliefs, rituals, or institutions.
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| sacrosanct |
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.
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| holy |
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.
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| divine |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The ancient temple is a religious site for many believers.
- The religious relics are displayed in the museum.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- More than 70% of the world's population identifies with some religion, indicating its profound impact on culture and society.
- Festivals and holidays related to various religions often serve as major societal events, like Christmas or Diwali, fostering community spirit.
- Religious beliefs significantly influence art, literature, and music throughout history, with countless works dedicated to sacred themes.
Psychology
- Studies show that having religious beliefs can provide psychological benefits, such as a sense of purpose and community support.
- Engaging in religious practices is often linked to improved mental health and resilience during stressful situations.
- Research suggests that spirituality and religion can shape moral development and ethical decision-making.
Science
- Social scientists study the effects of religious beliefs on behavior, revealing insights about cooperation, altruism, and societal norms.
- Neuroscientific research indicates that spiritual experiences can trigger specific brain activity associated with feelings of peace and connection.
- Evolutionary psychologists propose that religion may have developed as a societal glue, promoting group cohesion among early humans.
History
- Throughout history, religions have shaped laws, governance, and community organization, influencing civilizationโs development.
- The spread of major religions often coincided with key historical events, like trade routes and conquests, impacting culture and politics.
- Many ancient societies, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, used religion to explain natural phenomena and justify their rulersโ authority.
Origin of 'religious'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'religiosus', which means 'reverent' or 'proper'.
- It originally described a sense of awe and respect for the divine or sacred.
- The word evolved through Middle English before becoming widely used in its current form.
The word 'religious' originated from the Latin word 'religiosus', which means 'pious, devout, revering the gods'. It first appeared in the English language in the 12th century, with the meaning 'bound by vows to a religious life'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass a broader sense of belief in and devotion to a higher power or spiritual practice.
See also: irreligion.