votive

adjective vo·tive \ ˈvō-tiv \

Definition of votive

1 :consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire

a votive prayer

2 :offered or performed in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion

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votively

adverb

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votiveness

noun

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Recent Examples of votive from the Web

A second vigil was held at Bayfront Park, where more than 300 people came together to burn votive candles.

— alexandria bordas, miamiherald, "Top three states with the most hate groups: Guess where Florida ranks?," 14 Aug. 2017
The Rosary is prayed each evening at 6 p.m.; votive candles are available and prayer requests may be written throughout the Feast.

— laura demarco, cleveland.com, "119th Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy: Faith, family and food (vintage photos, video)," 10 Aug. 2017
Elegant decor by Event Creative featured pale shades of peach and gray, and tables topped with hibiscus flowers surrounded by votive candles.

— candace jordan, chicagotribune.com, "Ravinia gala raises over $1 million for music education programs," 8 Aug. 2017
Fragile, votive-like and smaller than lifesize, they’re crossed with the proto-Modern style of veiled, melting sculptural heads of Medardo Rosso, the celebrated 19th century Turin native.

— christopher knight, latimes.com, "Marisa Merz retrospective at the Hammer gives an overlooked female artist her due," 15 July 2017
Add red-colored corn syrup to votive candles for a bloody addition to your creepy collection.

— mark addison, Seventeen, "12 Tips for Throwing a Spooky Halloween Party Your Friends Will Never Forget," 10 July 2017
In the main dining room, lit by votive candles, a group of 15 were celebrating the birthday of YSL’s studio director, while waiters in tan hide aprons circulated with wine bottles and glasses.

— sara lieberman, New York Times, "Anahi, a Steakhouse, Is the Toast of Paris Again," 5 July 2017
The mourners taped a photos of the woman and her children to the back of black plastic chairs and spelled her name out on the sidewalk with small votive candles.

— katie mettler, chicagotribune.com, "Seattle police fatally shoot black mother of four who they say 'confronted' officers with a knife," 19 June 2017
The mourners taped a photos of the woman and her children to the back of black plastic chairs and spelled her name out on the sidewalk with small votive candles.

— katie mettler, Alaska Dispatch News, "Seattle police fatally shoot black mother of 4 who they say ‘confronted’ officers with a knife," 19 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'votive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of votive

Latin votivus, from votum vow

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First Known Use: 1597

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VOTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

votive

adjective

Definition of votive for English Language Learners

: consisting of or expressing a religious vow, wish, or desire : offered or performed as an expression of thanks or devotion to God

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