religion

re·li·gion

noun \ri-ˈli-jən\

Definition of RELIGION

1

a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance

2

: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

3

archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness

4

: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

— re·li·gion·less adjective

Examples of RELIGION

1. Many people turn to religion for comfort in a time of crisis.
2. There are many religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
3. Shinto is a religion that is unique to Japan.
4. Hockey is a religion in Canada.
5. Politics are a religion to him.
6. Where I live, high school football is religion.
7. Food is religion in this house.

Origin of RELIGION

Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to RELIGION

Synonyms: credo, creed, cult, faith, persuasion

Antonyms: atheism, godlessness

Related Words: church, communion, denomination, sect; doctrine, dogma, theology; deism, heathenism, monotheism, paganism, pantheism, polytheism, theism

Near Antonyms: agnosticism, know-nothingism; atheism, godlessness, nonbelief, secularism, unbelief

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

Rhymes with RELIGION

clay pigeon, rock pigeon, stool pigeon, wood pigeon