votive

[voh-tiv]

adjective

1. offered, given, dedicated, etc., in accordance with a vow.

   a votive offering.

2. performed, undertaken, etc., in consequence of a vow.

3. of the nature of or expressive of a wish or desire.

votive

/ ˈvəʊtɪv /

adjective

1. offered, given, undertaken, performed or dedicated in fulfilment of or in accordance with a vow

2. RC Church optional; not prescribed; having the nature of a voluntary offering

   a votive Mass

   a votive candle

Other Word Forms

• votiveness noun
• votively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of votive¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of votive¹

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

Example Sentences

Teddy bears and votive candles and Jesus’ favorite candy, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, sit at the center.

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Rosales juxtaposes a wall of psychedelic party posters, glowing beneath blacklight, with a roadside shrine of flowers and votive candles remembering loss.

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Black lights illuminated the arena, giving the room a purple glow, aided by flickering votive candles at the center of each table.

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Among the memorial’s flowers and votive candles, friends also left behind a soccer ball.

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Illuminated by warm yellow votive candles and surrounded by white roses, daisies and sunflowers, the vigil attendees sang a series of prayers to God and the Virgin Mary.

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