WordGarden.iospiritual
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈɪrɪtʃˌuːəl/
US
- /ˈspɪrɪˌtʃuəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to religion, spirituality, or sacred matters
concerned with the inner life or nonmaterial values rather than physical or material things
Noun
a religious folk song, especially one from the African American Christian tradition
Beyond the definition
"Spiritual" goes beyond what you can touch or see. It describes things connected to your deepest self - your beliefs, values, sense of purpose, and connection to something larger than yourself. It is often linked to religion, but it does not require belief in a specific god or formal faith. You might describe a beautiful sunset as "spiritual" because it brings a strong feeling of awe and wonder. A person can be deeply spiritual even if they do not practice any religion at all - perhaps through meditation, nature, art, or acts of kindness. Think of it as caring for your soul, not just living in the material world.
The word "spiritual" refers to things relating to the human spirit or soul, as opposed to material or physical matters. It's a complex concept with many layers, often intertwined with religion but not limited to it. Traditionally, "spiritual" described things connected to religious faith and practices – like spiritual leaders, spiritual texts, or a spiritual journey towards enlightenment.
However, in modern usage, "spiritual" has broadened significantly. It can describe a sense of connection to something bigger than oneself - the universe, nature, humanity, or even a deep inner peace. Someone might seek "spiritual growth" through meditation, yoga, mindfulness, or spending time in nature. They may feel a "spiritual awakening," which is a profound shift in perspective and understanding.
You'll often hear it used to describe experiences that evoke strong emotions of awe, wonder, or transcendence – like listening to moving music, witnessing a breathtaking landscape, or experiencing a moment of deep connection with another person. A "spiritual practice" isn't necessarily religious; it's any activity that helps you cultivate inner peace and connect with your values.
While religion often provides a framework for spiritual beliefs, many people identify as "spiritual but not religious," meaning they seek meaning and purpose outside traditional organized faith. Ultimately, being spiritual is about exploring the deepest aspects of yourself and finding connection to something beyond the everyday world – it's about nurturing the soul.
Examples
- 1
Religious life
Prayer is an important part of her spiritual life.
- 2
Guidance
He spent years looking for a spiritual teacher.
- 3
Nature experience
Many people describe walking alone in nature as a spiritual experience.
- 4
Personal belief
She's spiritual but not religious.
- Phrasespiritual but not religious
interested in inner beliefs or feelings, but not part of an organized religion
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Deep connection
Even after moving abroad, the city remained his spiritual home.
- Phrasespiritual home
a place you feel a deep personal connection to
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- spiritual life
- spiritual practice
- spiritual leader
- spiritual awakening
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- spiritualnounadjective
Forms
- spiritualspluralnounadjective