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

Derived Forms

• ˈvotiveness, noun
• ˈvotively, adverb

Other Words From

• votive·ly adverb
• votive·ness noun

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Sticking to neutral vases or candlesticks, you can transform a table or mantle with a new color of votive or taper, says Ducsik.

From Seattle Times

Baboons, probably held in captivity in Egypt, were mummified as votive offerings after their deaths.

From Science Daily

They placed offerings on and around the empty pedestal to Oñate: pottery, corn stalks, votive candles, a basket of vegetables.

From Washington Times