votive
Americanadjective
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offered, given, dedicated, etc., in accordance with a vow.
a votive offering.
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performed, undertaken, etc., in consequence of a vow.
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of the nature of or expressive of a wish or desire.
adjective
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offered, given, undertaken, performed or dedicated in fulfilment of or in accordance with a vow
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RC Church optional; not prescribed; having the nature of a voluntary offering
a votive Mass
a votive candle
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of votive
1585–95; < Latin vōtīvus, equivalent to vōt ( um ) a vow + -īvus -ive
Explanation
Anything votive has been dedicated or consecrated as part of the fulfillment of a vow. This is a word related to vows: sacred promises people make, like wedding vows. A votive candle is lit when a vow is made. A votive altar has been blessed by a holy person and can be used in making religious vows. Many votive things are related to religion, like a votive ceremony related to honoring a saint. Votive activities should not be undertaken lightly, because a vow is more serious than a regular promise.
Vocabulary lists containing votive
Art History
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Mythology
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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Those fans turned up wearing lace mantillas and carrying votive candles on Tube trains that buzzed with Spanish slang, as they clamoured for this long-awaited concert.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
Huddled around a small makeshift memorial of votive candles and flowers, those gathered demanded that the Inglewood Police Department adopt body-worn cameras, as many police agencies countrywide have done.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
Other discoveries include a votive token depicting Christ offering a blessing.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025
A St. Tony votive tucked beside the register at a New York taqueria.
From Salon • Jun. 20, 2025
She and her friend Herminia burned votive candles in the nursery until the doctor threatened to throw them both out of the hospital.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
