ENGLISH
REFERENCE

religious

adj. · n.
US //ɹiˈɫɪdʒəs// UK //ɹɪlˈɪdʒəs// re·li·gious
  1. 1 related to religion (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Religion

    relating to religion or belief in a god.

    pertaining to religion or the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power.

    Example

    The city is famous for its beautiful religious buildings and ancient temples.

    Example

    The constitution guarantees freedom of religious expression for all citizens, regardless of their specific theological background.
  2. 2 devout or faithful (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Religion

    having a strong belief in a god and following the rules of a religion.

    committed to the practice or adherence of a particular faith; devout.

    Example

    She is a very religious person who goes to church every Sunday morning.

    Example

    Despite living in a largely secular society, he remained deeply religious, dedicating several hours each day to prayer and meditation.
    • irreligious
    • impious
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 strict or regular (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    doing something very carefully and regularly, as if it were a duty.

    scrupulous or conscientious; exhibiting the level of dedication typically associated with religious practice.

    Example

    He has a religious habit of checking his emails every hour.

    Example

    The athlete followed her training schedule with religious devotion, never missing a single session regardless of the weather.
  2. 4 member of an order (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Religion

    a person who belongs to a group like monks or nuns.

    a member of a religious order or congregation, such as a monk or nun, living under specific vows.

    Example

    The local religious gathered at the monastery for their daily prayers.

    Example

    The conference was attended by both the laity and the religious, representing various orders from across the continent.

    Usage

    Usually functions as a collective noun or a countable noun in ecclesiastical contexts.
    • layperson
Origin

From Middle English religiouse, religious, religius, religeous, from Anglo-Norman religieus, religius, from Old French religious, religieux, and their source, Latin religiōsus (“religious, superstitious, conscientious”), from religiō. Doublet of religieux.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference