votive

[voh-tiv]

adjective

offered, given, dedicated, etc., in accordance with a vow: a votive offering.
performed, undertaken, etc., in consequence of a vow.
of the nature of or expressive of a wish or desire.

Origin of votive

1585–95; < Latin vōtīvus, equivalent to vōt(um) a vow + -īvus -ive

Related formsvo·tive·ly, adverbvo·tive·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for votive

Contemporary Examples of votive

You can now find her hooded image on cars, necklaces, votive candles, tattoos, and altars across Mexico and the United States.
America’s Fastest Growing Death Holiday Is From Mexico
Michael Schulson
November 1, 2014
The image registers, simultaneously, as both very crude and utterly credible, like a votive offering to our technological age.
Candle in the (Digital) Wind
Blake Gopnik
January 7, 2013

Historical Examples of votive

It was his votive gift to the saint and may be seen there to this day.
Lords of the North
A. C. Laut
About his votive offerings let it suffice to have said so much.
The History Of Herodotus
Herodotus
However, no votive offering is hung around the cashier's office.
Original Short Stories, Volume 7 (of 13)
Guy de Maupassant
She was not a frequent attendant now at her father's votive building.
A Laodicean
Thomas Hardy
They brought them wreaths of flowers and other votive offerings.
Margaret of Anjou
Jacob Abbott.

British Dictionary definitions for votive

votive

adjective

offered, given, undertaken, performed or dedicated in fulfilment of or in accordance with a vow
RC Church optional; not prescribed; having the nature of a voluntary offeringa votive Mass; a votive candle

Derived Formsvotively, adverbvotiveness, noun

Word Origin for votive

C16: from Latin vōtīvus promised by a vow, from vōtum a vow

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

Word Origin and History for votive

adj.

1590s, "dedicated or given in fulfillment of a vow," from Middle French votif, from Latin votivus "of or pertaining to a vow, conforming to one's wishes," from votum (see vow).