spirituality

American  

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

noun

plural

spiritualities

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

• nonspirituality
  noun
• superspirituality
  noun
• unspirituality
  noun

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

“You preyed on these women’s trust and their spirituality and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification,” she told the actor.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Seventeen early-career creators of “African and Afro-Latinx descent from across the United States,” in the words of the museum, explore spirituality and atypical concepts of time in works that deploy a variety of media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Beta takes a similar approach to expressions of spirituality and mysticism, which there is a fair amount of in this book, given Alice Coltrane’s personal journey into becoming Swamini Turiyasangitananda.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Macron is not a practising Catholic but had a good relationship with Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor, meeting him three times and discussing with him both global crises and spirituality.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The experience made a profound impression on him that led him to think twice about the difference between spirituality and religion, between faith and the institutions that deliver its message.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel