religious

[ ri-lij-uhs ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or concerned with religion:

   a religious holiday.

2. imbued with or exhibiting religion; pious; devout; godly:

   a religious man.

   Synonyms: reverent

   Antonyms: impious

3. scrupulously faithful; conscientious:

   religious care.

   Synonyms: rigorous, meticulous, strict, scrupulous

4. pertaining to or connected with a monastic or religious order.
5. appropriate to religion or to sacred rites or observances.

noun

, plural re·li·gious.

1. a member of a religious order, congregation, etc.; a monk, friar, or nun.
2. the religious, devout or religious persons:

   Each year, thousands of the religious make pilgrimages to the shrine.

religious

/ rɪˈlɪdʒəs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or concerned with religion
2. 1. pious; devout; godly
   2. ( as collective noun ; preceded by the )

      the religious

3. appropriate to or in accordance with the principles of a religion
4. scrupulous, exact, or conscientious
5. Christianity of or relating to a way of life dedicated to religion by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and defined by a monastic rule

noun

1. Christianity a member of an order or congregation living by such a rule; a monk, friar, or nun

Derived Forms

• reˈligiousness, noun
• reˈligiously, adverb

Other Words From

• re·li·gious·ly adverb
• re·li·gious·ness noun
• an·ti·re·li·gious adjective
• non·re·li·gious adjective
• non·re·li·gious·ness noun
• o·ver·re·li·gious adjective
• pre·re·li·gious adjective
• pseu·do·re·li·gious adjective
• qua·si-re·li·gious adjective
• ul·tra·re·li·gious adjective
• ul·tra·re·li·gious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of religious¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English (from Old French ), from Latin religiōsus, equivalent to religi(ō) religion + -ōsus -ous

Synonym Study

Religious, devout, pious indicate a spirit of reverence toward God. Religious is a general word, applying to whatever pertains to faith or worship: a religious ceremony. Devout indicates a fervent spirit, usually genuine and often independent of outward observances: a deeply devout though unorthodox church member. Pious implies constant attention to, and extreme conformity with, outward observances. It can also suggest sham or hypocrisy: a pious hypocrite.

Example Sentences

After working together on the erotic drama “The Voyeurs,” Sydney Sweeney and director Michael Mohan create a religious thriller premiering at SXSW.

From Los Angeles Times

However, he did note that NBC later added a clip in the interview of Clinton addressing religious leaders in 1999 and apologizing to his family, Lewinsky and her family and the American people.

From Salon

It’s unclear how much sway Rios had on voters, but the endorsements appeared to violate a federal law from 1954 that prohibits religious organizations and nonprofits from endorsing or opposing political candidates, which President Trump may once again attempt to repeal amid Republican control of Congress.

From Los Angeles Times

The Johnson Amendment has long been a topic of debate, with some religious broadcasters and other church-affiliated groups arguing that it infringes on their free speech rights.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, despite the lack of enforcement by the IRS, conservative and religious groups have sought to remove the Johnson Amendment for many years.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• doctrinal
• holy
• sacred
• sectarian
• theological