religious

[ri-lij-uhs]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or concerned with religion.

   a religious holiday.

2. imbued with or exhibiting religion; pious; devout; godly.

   a religious man.

   Synonyms: reverent
   Antonyms: impious

3. scrupulously faithful; conscientious.

   religious care.

   Synonyms: rigorous, meticulous, strict, scrupulous

4. pertaining to or connected with a monastic or religious order.

5. appropriate to religion or to sacred rites or observances.

noun

plural

religious 

1. a member of a religious order, congregation, etc.; a monk, friar, or nun.

2. the religious, devout or religious persons.

   Each year, thousands of the religious make pilgrimages to the shrine.

religious

/ rɪˈlɪdʒəs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or concerned with religion

2. 1. pious; devout; godly

   2. ( as collective noun ; preceded by the )

      the religious

3. appropriate to or in accordance with the principles of a religion

4. scrupulous, exact, or conscientious

5. Christianity of or relating to a way of life dedicated to religion by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and defined by a monastic rule

noun

1. Christianity a member of an order or congregation living by such a rule; a monk, friar, or nun

Other Word Forms

• religiously adverb
• religiousness noun
• antireligious adjective
• nonreligious adjective
• nonreligiousness noun
• overreligious adjective
• prereligious adjective
• pseudoreligious adjective
• quasi-religious adjective
• ultrareligious adjective
• ultrareligiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of religious¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English (from Old French ), from Latin religiōsus, equivalent to religi(ō) religion + -ōsus -ous

Synonym Study

Religious, devout, pious indicate a spirit of reverence toward God. Religious is a general word, applying to whatever pertains to faith or worship: a religious ceremony. Devout indicates a fervent spirit, usually genuine and often independent of outward observances: a deeply devout though unorthodox church member. Pious implies constant attention to, and extreme conformity with, outward observances. It can also suggest sham or hypocrisy: a pious hypocrite.

Example Sentences

Glittering liturgical objects and lavish vestments from the 17th and 18th centuries highlight the skills of European craftsmen from that period as well as the religious import of the church to which they were gifted.

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Shannon Stevenson, the state’s solicitor general, told the court that the law doesn’t ban healthcare providers from sharing their views outside of the counseling room, or regulate life-coaches or religious ministers.

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There are vocations filling traditional seminaries and religious communities in the U.S., loyal to Rome and to their local bishops.

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No religious test shall be required as a qualification for holding public office, ensuring that service is accessible to all.

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“No one should be denied access to critical financial services because of their political or religious views.”

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Related Words

• doctrinal 
• holy 
• sacred 
• sectarian 
• theological