Religious
/rɪˈlɪdʒəs/
Definitions
3 meaningsRelating to or characterized by belief in a religion.
/rɪˈlɪdʒəs/
Connected with a belief in a religion
He comes from a religious family.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who really, really believes in a certain set of ideas and goes to a special place to celebrate those ideas with others. That person is religious!
👶 For kids: When someone believes in a special set of ideas and stories, and they go to a special place to talk about them, they are religious.
More Examples
Many religious ceremonies are performed in this region.
The government protects religious freedom.
How It's Used
"She is a religious person who attends church every Sunday."
"Religious practices and beliefs vary greatly across different cultures."
Devoted to religion; pious.
/rɪˈlɪdʒəs/
Strictly observing the rules of a religion
The nuns live a religious life of prayer and contemplation.
💡 Simply: If you always do what your religion tells you to do, like praying at certain times or not eating certain foods, you are being religious.
👶 For kids: If you always do what your religion says to do, you are being religious.
More Examples
He is known for his religious devotion.
She kept a religious fast.
How It's Used
"They lead a religious life dedicated to helping others."
"The court ruled in favor of religious freedom."
Relating to a specific religion.
/rɪˈlɪdʒəs/
Relating to or characteristic of a particular religion
The church is a religious building.
💡 Simply: It's about something related to a specific religion. For example, a religious building is a church, mosque, or temple.
👶 For kids: Something that belongs to a certain religion is religious, like a special song that is religious for one group.
More Examples
They follow religious traditions.
This book discusses religious beliefs.
How It's Used
"Religious wars have often shaped the course of history."
"Religious art is often found in churches and temples."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
religious freedom
The right to practice one's religion without government interference or persecution.
"The constitution guarantees religious freedom."
religious studies
The academic study of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions.
"She majored in religious studies at university."
From Old French *religios*, and directly from Latin *religiōsus* ("scrupulous, devout, religious"), from *religiō* (“reverence, obligation, bond”), of uncertain origin, possibly related to *religāre* ("to bind").
The word 'religious' has been used in English since the 13th century, originally referring to people who had entered a religious order. Its meaning has expanded over time to encompass belief systems and practices.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'religion' – a religious person strongly follows a religion's teachings.
Word Origin
"scrupulous, devout, religious"