Meaning of Word
Spiritual refers to matters relating to the human spirit, soul, or a connection to a higher power or the divine, rather than material or physical concerns. It often involves an inner sense of purpose, peace, or connection to something greater than oneself.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Relating to the spirit or soul – Associated with non-material aspects of life, such as beliefs, emotions, or consciousness.
- Connected to religion or faith – Involving practices or beliefs tied to a higher power, deity, or divine presence.
- Inward and personal – Pertaining to personal growth, self-awareness, and a sense of inner peace or purpose.
- Non-physical in nature – Concerned with immaterial aspects of existence, such as ethics, values, or consciousness.
History and Origin
The word “spiritual” originates from the Latin word “spiritualis,” meaning “of or relating to breath or spirit.” It was historically used in Christian theology to describe the work of the Holy Spirit or matters of faith. Over time, the term evolved to encompass broader aspects of the soul, inner life, and non-religious forms of spirituality, especially in the modern era, where it often includes meditation, mindfulness, and personal growth practices.
Detailed Explanation
Spiritual often refers to a sense of connection to the intangible aspects of life. While it is traditionally linked to religious practices and belief systems, modern interpretations of spirituality can include secular approaches such as mindfulness, self-awareness, and seeking meaning in life.
- In religion: Spirituality involves worship, rituals, and a relationship with the divine.
- In personal growth: It includes practices like meditation, reflection, and self-discovery.
- In philosophy: It refers to the study of the immaterial or the essence of human existence.
Spirituality is often contrasted with materialism, emphasizing values like compassion, peace, and inner fulfillment over physical possessions or wealth.
Example Sentences
- “She embarked on a spiritual journey to find meaning in her life.”
- “Meditation is a spiritual practice that promotes inner peace.”
- “He felt a deep spiritual connection to nature during his hike.”
- “Many people find spiritual solace in prayer or worship.”
- “Her spiritual beliefs are rooted in kindness and compassion.”
- “Attending the retreat helped him awaken his spiritual side.”
- “Spiritual growth often involves self-reflection and learning from experiences.”
- “The book explores the spiritual teachings of ancient philosophies.”
- “For some, music can evoke profound spiritual experiences.”
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Soulful – Full of deep emotion or spiritual expression.
- Divine – Relating to a higher power or the sacred.
- Ethereal – Heavenly or otherworldly, often linked to spirituality.
- Mystical – Relating to mysteries of faith or spiritual experiences beyond the physical realm.
- Transcendental – Going beyond ordinary experiences, often spiritual in nature.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Faith – Belief in something greater, often spiritual in nature.
- Meditation – A practice for achieving spiritual focus and inner peace.
- Soul – The immaterial essence of a person, central to spiritual concepts.
- Mindfulness – A spiritual practice involving awareness and presence.
- Holistic – Approaching life by considering spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Spirituality – The broader concept of exploring the soul, self, or divine.
- Religious – Pertaining to organized faith systems, often spiritual in nature.
- Mysticism – A spiritual belief in direct communion with the divine or ultimate reality.
- Esoteric – Knowledge or practices related to spiritual or mystical subjects.
- Transcendence – The act of going beyond physical limits, often spiritually focused.
Antonyms
- Materialistic – Focused on physical possessions rather than spiritual values.
- Secular – Not connected to religion or spirituality.
- Physical – Pertaining to the tangible, material world.
- Worldly – Concerned with earthly matters rather than spiritual pursuits.
- Profane – Irreverent or lacking spiritual significance.