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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Nouns


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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing spirituality

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The Dreaming, based in Rhydoldog House near Rhayader, Powys, offered retreats aimed at helping people reconnect with nature and spirituality.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

That title is something of a metaphor, about connecting to a deep, abiding spirituality accessible to us all.

From Salon ● Sep. 30, 2026

Yet among a growing number of religiously liberal Jews, there seems to be a hunger for greater spirituality and an openness to developing a stronger sense of faith.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Many participants built new support networks through friends, partners, therapy, spirituality and support groups.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

It is the very glue that holds our personality, intellect, and spirituality together.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

In each, Ms. Khatwa, an earth scientist and television host, skillfully and respectfully balances scientific understanding with the spiritualities tied to the mythical stories of indigenous peoples.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026

She also badly wanted something healing during the pandemic and always was drawn to spiritualities that were nature-based and women-centered.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 5, 2021

“Unlike in certain dogmatic religions where there’s a right and wrong way to be a practitioner, there isn’t that in these nondenominational spiritualities, which I think is so beautiful,” Garza said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2019

The captains founded churches in the island, and the King of Portugal, Don Duart, gave the temporalities to Prince Henry, and all the spiritualities to the Knights of Christ.

From The Life of Columbus by Sir Arthur Helps

In this way both temporalities and spiritualities are won back.

From Letters of Catherine Benincasa by Saint of Siena Catherine

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