religious
English meaning: Religious
Definition
A member of a religious order, i.e. a monk or nun.
Example
“She entered the convent and lived as a religious for forty years.”
Another example: “The festival has deep religious significance for the local community.”
Usage — When, Where & How
As an adjective, relating to religion or faith ('religious beliefs'); as a noun, a member of a monastic order (a monk or nun). The noun is formal and specialized; the adjective is everyday.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'religiosus' 'devout', from 'religio' 'reverence, religion'; in English from the 13th century.
Synonyms
- pious
- scrupulous
- sacred
- devout
- spiritual
- god-fearing
- churchly
- churchgoing
- interfaith
- churchlike
Antonyms / Opposites
- irreligious
- secular
- atheistic
- worldly
Related Words
Common Collocations
- religious beliefs
- religious freedom
- deeply religious
- religious order
- religious ceremony
Word Forms
religious (adj/n); religiously (adv); religion (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B