votive

adjective vo·tive \ ˈvō-tiv \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

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

Gridded glass, akin to Wagner’s tile floors, gives Louise Roe’s votive holders additional play of light.

— janelle zara, WSJ, "A Masterpiece of Modernist Architecture? I Had My Doubts," 16 Mar. 2018
Soy wax is poured into an opaque handcrafted glass, in both a votive size ($25 with a 30-hour burn time) a larger tumbler with a satin brass lid ($65, 60-hour burn time).

— melanie rud chadwick, Allure, "Kendra Scott Is Launching a Gorgeous Gemstone-Inspired Candle Collection," 28 Mar. 2018
Renato simply painted a series of bars and blocks in red, black or white around its edges, giving it a kind of frame and turning it into a votive object of a female goddess.

— roberta smith and martha schwendener, New York Times, "What to See in New York Art Galleries This Week," 10 Jan. 2018
Struggling to explain the phenomenon, some scholars have described the mummies as votive offerings, akin to candles in Catholic churches.

— jonathon keats, Discover Magazine, "The Animal Mummy Business," 10 Nov. 2017
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
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

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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See words that rhyme with votive Britannica English: Translation of votive for Arabic speakers

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Definition of votive

votively

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