English Reference
Noun

devotional

n. countable
C1 Advanced US /dɪˈvoʊʃənəɫ/ UK /dɪvˈəʊʃənəl/ de·vo·tion·al Religion

n.a short religious text or book used for daily prayer and study. People use it to help them focus on their spiritual life.

n.a short religious text or book intended for use in private or communal worship. Often structured as a series of daily readings or meditations.


SIMPLE

She reads a short devotional every morning before work.

CONTEXTUAL

The bookstore has a large section dedicated to daily devotionals for people of various faiths.

COMPLEX

While the sermon provides a communal experience, many practitioners find that a personal devotional offers a more intimate space for reflection on sacred texts.

Usage

Commonly used within religious contexts to refer to the physical book or the specific text being read.

The daily baths perhaps aren’t purely a devotional act; the photographs she takes of him sleeping testify to an adoration tipping into something transgressive.

The Guardian· 7 Sept 2026

Another unusual revelation was that the Pień cemetery did not appear on any historical map and contained no Catholic crosses or devotional items, indicating its Protestant connections.

Phys.org· 25 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated