spirituality

American  

[spir-i-choo-al-i-tee] / ˌspɪr ɪ tʃuˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

spiritualities plural

1. the quality or fact of being spiritual.

   Life in modern society is all work and no spirituality.

2. incorporeal or immaterial nature.

3. predominantly spiritual character as shown in thought, life, etc.; spiritual tendency or tone.

4. Often spiritualities. property or revenue of the church or of an ecclesiastic in their official capacity.

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spirituality British  

/ ˌspɪrɪtjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being dedicated to God, religion, or spiritual things or values, esp as contrasted with material or temporal ones

2. the condition or quality of being spiritual

3. a distinctive approach to religion or prayer

   the spirituality of the desert Fathers

4. (often plural) Church property or revenue or a Church benefice

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• superspirituality
  noun
• unspirituality
  noun
• nonspirituality
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• spiritualities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of spirituality

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Medieval Latin spīrituālitās; see spiritual, -ity

Explanation

Spirituality has to do with the spirit, not as in ghosts, but as in the essence of being human — your soul or your inner life. Spirituality often has to do with religion, but it doesn't have to. You might say, "I'm not religious; but I have a strong sense of spirituality," which might mean that you practice yoga or meditation, or you pray with a group, or you nurture your spirit by spending time in nature. Religions usually have defined beliefs, rituals, and guidelines; spirituality is more individual.

Example Sentences

Both explored new directions in jazz and became fascinated with Indian spirituality.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Remski said he sees connections between the kind of New Age spirituality pioneered by Chopra and other developments in society, economics and politics that have enabled a hyper-individualist culture.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

Saar’s style can best be described as some combination of surreal and grounded — infused with the spirituality that has lived at the core of her work since the ’60s.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Before passing sentence, Judge Jessica Peterson told Chasing Horse he preyed on women's spirituality, adding: "You manipulated them for your own personal gratification."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“As I see it, they have to do with love, responsibility, spirituality, awareness. And if I were healthy today, those would still be my issues. They should have been all along.”

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom