Spiritual: meaning, definitions and examples

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spiritual

[ˈspɪrɪtʃʊəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

related to religion

Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.

Synonyms

divine, religious, sacred.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spiritual	Used when discussing matters related to the soul, inner peace, or personal growth, often outside formal religious structures. She found a spiritual connection with nature during her hike. Meditation helps me stay grounded and enhances my spiritual well-being.
religious	Used when referring to beliefs, practices, or phenomena directly related to established religious institutions or traditions. He attends religious services every Sunday. The city has a rich religious history dotted with ancient temples and churches.
sacred	Used to denote something considered holy or worthy of reverence, often tied to religious rituals or places. The cathedral is a sacred place for many worshippers. They treat the ancient manuscripts as sacred texts.
divine	Used to describe something related to or coming from a deity or god; often carries a connotation of being perfect or heavenly. The sunset over the mountains was simply divine. They believed that the prophet had a divine message from the heavens.

Examples of usage

She sought out spiritual guidance from the priest.
The painting had a spiritual quality that moved the viewers.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

related to personal beliefs

Relating to a person's religious or personal beliefs.

Synonyms

ethical, moral, philosophical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spiritual	Use this word when referring to matters related to the soul, religion, or anything deeply personal and transcendent. It often relates to faith, higher purpose, or inner peace. She found comfort in her spiritual practices The monks lived a simple, spiritual life
philosophical	This word is best used when referring to deep and rational thinking about fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, and mind. It often involves theoretical and abstract reasoning. She often engaged in philosophical discussions about the meaning of life His philosophical outlook helped him stay calm during tough times
ethical	This word is suitable when discussing principles of right and wrong behavior, especially in a professional or societal context. It often deals with rules or guidelines that determine what is considered acceptable behavior. The doctor faced an ethical dilemma regarding patient confidentiality Implementing fair policies is essential for maintaining an ethical workplace
moral	Use this word when talking about personal beliefs regarding right and wrong. It often involves judgments about good and evil, virtue, and vice, typically influenced by culture, family, and personal experiences. He struggled with his moral conscience after witnessing the crime The story has a strong moral message about honesty

Examples of usage

Her spiritual beliefs helped her through difficult times.
He described himself as a spiritual person who believed in the power of positivity.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

a religious person

A person who is religious or follows a religious practice.

Synonyms

believer, devotee, religious person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spiritual	Used when referring to someone who focuses on inner peace, well-being, and personal growth rather than adhering to formal religious practices or doctrines. She is a very spiritual person who practices meditation daily He seeks spiritual guidance to find balance in his life
religious person	Generic term to describe someone who follows the rules and practices of an organized religion. It focuses on adherence to rituals, beliefs, and doctrines specific to that religion. My neighbor is a religious person who goes to church every Sunday She was raised as a religious person and continues to follow the traditions of her faith
devotee	Used when referring to someone who is extremely dedicated to a particular religion, deity, or spiritual practice. Often implies a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. He is a devoted devotee of Lord Krishna and attends temple services regularly She is a devotee of yoga and practices it every morning without fail
believer	Used to describe someone who has faith in a particular religion, philosophy, or ideology. It is a broad term that can apply to various belief systems. As a strong believer in karma, she tries to live a righteous life He is a believer in the power of positive thinking

Examples of usage

She considered herself a spiritual and devout follower of her faith.
The spiritual led the congregation in prayer.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'spiritualis', meaning 'of breath' or 'of spirit'.
This term has deep roots in medieval philosophy, where it was often tied to the nature of the soul.
In various languages, the equivalent words often maintain a similar connection to concepts of breath or essence.

Religious Context

In many religions, being spiritual involves seeking a connection to a higher power, like God or universal energy.
Spiritual practices often include meditation, prayer, and contemplation, which help individuals find peace.
Many spiritual traditions emphasize love, compassion, and mindfulness as core components of a meaningful life.

Psychology

Studies suggest that individuals who identify as spiritual often report higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction.
Spirituality can influence how people cope with stress, offering them tools to find strength in difficult times.
Some psychologists advocate for integrating spirituality into therapeutic practices to address holistic health.

Cultural Perspectives

Indigenous cultures often have unique spiritual traditions deeply connected to nature and community.
In modern society, many people explore spirituality outside traditional religions, incorporating practices from different cultures.
Popular books and philosophies promote spiritual growth through personal exploration and self-improvement.

Arts and Literature

Spiritual themes frequently appear in literature, exploring human existence, purpose, and the search for meaning.
Art often reflects spiritual concepts, with many artists using their work to express profound beliefs or connect viewers to higher ideas.
Poetry is a common medium for spirituality, where writers articulate feelings that transcend tangible experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "spiritual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espiritual

🇮🇳 आध्यात्मिक

🇩🇪 spirituell

🇮🇩 spiritual

🇺🇦 духовний

🇵🇱 duchowy

🇯🇵 精神的な

🇫🇷 spirituel

🇪🇸 espiritual

🇹🇷 ruhsal

🇰🇷 영적인

🇸🇦 روحي

🇨🇿 duchovní

🇸🇰 duchovný

🇨🇳 精神的

🇸🇮 duhoven

🇮🇸 andlegur

🇰🇿 рухани

🇬🇪 სულიერი

🇦🇿 mənəvi

🇲🇽 espiritual

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,903, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1900 creation
1901 thoughts
1902 partly
1903 spiritual
1904 deposits
1905 distinguished
1906 offers
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