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religion

American  

[ri-lij-uhn] / rɪˈlɪdʒ ən /

noun

• religions
  plural

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

   the Christian religion;

   the Buddhist religion.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

   a world council of religions.

4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc..

   to enter religion.

5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

   to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

7. Archaic. religions, religious rites.

   painted priests performing religions deep into the night.

8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion.

   a religion to one's vow.

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idioms

1. get religion,

   1. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.

   2. to resolve to mend one's errant ways.

      The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.

religion British  

/ rɪˈlɪdʒən /

noun

1. belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny

2. any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief

   the Christian religion

3. the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers

4. RC Church the way of life determined by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience entered upon by monks, friars, and nuns

   to enter religion

5. something of overwhelming importance to a person

   football is his religion

6. archaic

   1. the practice of sacred ritual observances

   2. sacred rites and ceremonies

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religion More Idioms  

1. see get religion.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonreligion
  noun
• subreligion
  noun
• antireligion
  adjective
• religionless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• religions
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of religion

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English religioun, from Old French religion or directly from Latin religiōn- (stem of religiō “conscientiousness, piety,” equivalent to relig(āre) “to tie, fasten” ( re- re- + ligāre “to bind, tie”; cf. ligament) + -iōn- -ion; cf. rely

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Explanation

Religion has two related meanings: it’s the belief that one or more divine beings are responsible for the fate of all human life, and it’s also an organization where people of a specific religion can express their beliefs. Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam: these are examples of religions, and millions around the world follow the principles defined by their chosen faith. The Latin root religio means “to bind,” and religion binds people together not just by their practices, but also by their ideas. Most religions have their own story about the creation of the universe, and each has a different explanation for the meaning of life, which is a source of comfort for a religion’s followers.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

religion religions

Discrimination against a protected characteristic is against the law, external, meaning an employer cannot treat you less favourably based on your age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

Human society continually tries to organize itself around religion, politics, empathy and law.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026

Helen Norton, the state’s deputy solicitor general, resisted the suggestion that the state disfavors religion, especially in its preschool program.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026

Nicholas Reaves, a lawyer the Catholic plaintiffs, argued that "if someone is different, differently situated because of their religion," the way to remain neutral is to grant them an accommodation.

From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2026

These calls to Gardar were important to Bobby because they went beyond the complicated aspects of his imprisonment and touched on other matters, such as politics, religion, and philosophy.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

And Islam has long been considered one of the fastest-growing religions in the country, with Pew Research estimating that by 2040, Muslims will replace Jews as the nation’s second-largest religious group after Christians.

From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2026

"Other Christians" including evangelicals account for 13 percent, while other religions make up seven percent.

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026

While the law applies to all religions, the anxiety is being felt most deeply at places where minorities, especially Christians, worship.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

It’s a fun, childlike interpretation of the complexities of coming from two cultures and religions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

The people of the Philippines practiced diverse religions at the time.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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