ENGLISH
REFERENCE

religion

n.
US //ɹiˈɫɪdʒən// UK //ɹɪlˈɪdʒən// re·li·gion
  1. 1 a system of belief (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Religion

    a specific system of faith and worship, such as Christianity, Islam, or Buddhism.

    A particular institutionalised system of religious belief and ritual. Countable in this sense.

    Example

    Students at the university come from many different religions and backgrounds.

    Example

    The constitution guarantees the right to practice any religion freely, ensuring that no single faith is given legal preference over others.
  2. 2 faith in general (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Religion

    the general belief in a god or a spiritual world.

    The abstract concept of belief in a supernatural or metaphysical reality. Uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    For many people, religion provides comfort during difficult times in their lives.

    Example

    Sociologists often study how religion influences the development of moral frameworks within isolated communities.
  3. 3 serious devotion (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Humorous

    an activity or hobby that someone takes very seriously and does regularly.

    A pursuit, interest, or state of mind to which someone is excessively or consistently devoted. Used metaphorically.

    Example

    In this city, football is more than just a game; it is a religion.

    Example

    He treats his morning fitness routine like a religion, never missing a single session regardless of the weather or his travel schedule.
Origin

From Middle English religioun, from Old French religion, from Latin religiō (“scrupulousness, pious misgivings, superstition, conscientiousness, sanctity, an object of veneration, cult-observance, reverence”). Most likely from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂leg- with the meanings preserved in Latin dīligere and legere (“to read repeatedly”, “to have something solely in mind”). Displaced Old English ǣfæstnes (“religion, lawfulness”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family
Related words

Last updated June 19, 2026