religion
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.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion;the Buddhist religion.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
religions, Archaic. religious rites: painted priests performing religions deep into the night.
Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
Idioms about religion
get religion, Informal.
to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.
Origin of religion
1Other words from religion
- re·li·gion·less, adjective
- an·ti·re·li·gion, adjective
- non·re·li·gion, noun
- sub·re·li·gion, noun
Words Nearby religion
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use religion in a sentence
We will reclaim our history, and our country, for citizens of every race, color, religion and creed.
Election live updates: Trump returns to Wisconsin; Biden to face live audience at town hall | Colby Itkowitz, Felicia Sonmez, John Wagner | September 17, 2020 | Washington PostConnecticut, which requires voters to show up at their polling place on election day unless they’re incapable due to illness, physical disability, or their religion, has extended absentee voting to all eligible residents, for example.
Why you should vote as early as possible (and how to do it) | John Kennedy | September 17, 2020 | Popular-ScienceDemocrats are once again doubling down on religion this year.
More And More Americans Aren’t Religious. Why Are Democrats Ignoring These Voters? | Daniel Cox | September 17, 2020 | FiveThirtyEightA deeply controversial film at the time of its release because of its dark and cynical, even sinister view of organized religion, Hunchback is perhaps Disney’s most intense film.
A study by Naseem and his colleagues at Blue Veins found the reasons behind child marriage to be a complex milieu of culture, religion and poverty.
And yes, our values include tolerance of those who wish to make fun of religion.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive | Ayaan Hirsi Ali | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTIn the end, the line between magic and religion may be something of an artificial one.
It is the kind of compassion espoused by every world religion and every revered religious leader.
It needs to be said: bigotry in the name of religion is still bigotry; child abuse wrapped in a Bible verse is still child abuse.
Dear Leelah, We Will Fight On For You: A Letter to a Dead Trans Teen | Parker Molloy | January 1, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTIsha Aran at Jezebel worries that the show “glorif[ies] the way religion can constrain people.”
Your Husband Is Definitely Gay: TLC’s Painful Portrait of Mormonism | Samantha Allen | January 1, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTThe supernaturalist alleges that religion was revealed to man by God, and that the form of this revelation is a sacred book.
God and my Neighbour | Robert BlatchfordEach religion claims that its own Bible is the direct revelation of God, and is the only true Bible teaching the only true faith.
God and my Neighbour | Robert BlatchfordNo man should regard the subject of religion as decided for him until he has read The Golden Bough.
God and my Neighbour | Robert BlatchfordPretty women without religion are like flowers without perfume.
Pearls of Thought | Maturin M. BallouIt was in the college stage that most of us made out our religion and made it real for ourselves.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation | H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
British Dictionary definitions for religion
/ (rɪˈlɪdʒən) /
belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny
any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief: the Christian religion
the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers
mainly 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
something of overwhelming importance to a person: football is his religion
archaic
the practice of sacred ritual observances
sacred rites and ceremonies
Origin of religion
1Collins 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 Idioms and Phrases with religion
see get religion.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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