religious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "religious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe anything related to religion, such as beliefs, practices, or institutions. Example: "Her religious beliefs guide her daily decisions and interactions with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, parts of London, there are actually Muslim religious police that actually beat and actually wound seriously anyone who doesn't dress according to religious Muslim attire.

The Guardian

In response, Karimov launched a far-reaching crackdown on all forms of religious expression not expressly sanctioned by the state.

The Guardian

If you'd seen what I'd seen in the restaurant my dad ran when I was growing up, the crap we had to put up with from drunks, the puke I had to clean out of the toilets on a Friday and Saturday night, you would know it is not just a religious issue with me.

The Guardian

Unfortunately that's how many have perceived the religious community to be involved, to advocate for privatizing education and the redirecting of funds through vouchers".

The Guardian

In matters of public education, which the religious right finds distasteful along moral lines, "they're already more than halfway there".

The Guardian

Yet, far from expressing wonder that an act as extreme and barbaric as the murders is what it takes for the west to show defiance towards a religious duty that is not meaningful to non-Muslims, cultural provocateurs successfully argue that this highly exceptional situation is in fact indicative of a general contempt for Islam.

The Guardian - Opinion

With such a tangle of religious and moral opposition, change seems a long way off.

The Guardian

Fanatical defenders of religion start out attacking contemporary secular culture; it's no surprise when they end up forsaking any meaningful religious experience.

The Guardian

Under normal circumstances, Iran, the most powerful Shia country in the region, treats all religious Iraqi Shia parties equally.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Iraq, that meant one of two targets – a seat of Shia power or, even better, a defining religious symbol.

The Guardian

The Bishop of Bristol has been quoted lamenting the lack of religious programmes on BBC1.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, use the term "religious" with precision to avoid generalizations. Specify the particular religion or belief system when relevant.

Common error

Avoid making broad statements about all "religious" people. Recognize the diversity of beliefs and practices within and across different religions.

Linguistic Context

The term "religious" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a connection to religion, faith, or spiritual matters. Ludwig shows this usage in numerous contexts, such as "religious police", "religious duty", and "religious freedom".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "religious" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting a connection to religion, faith, or spirituality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. To avoid misinterpretations, precision and context are paramount when using "religious". While alternatives like "spiritual" or "devout" exist, they carry distinct nuances. The frequency of "religious" is very common, making it an essential term in discussions about belief systems and practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Spiritual

Focuses more on personal beliefs and experiences rather than institutionalized religion.

Devout

Emphasizes commitment and dedication to religious practices.

Faith-based

Indicates something is based on or inspired by religious faith.

Pious

Highlights reverence and moral uprightness associated with religion.

God-fearing

Stresses reverence and respect for God.

Sacred

Refers to something consecrated or holy within a religious context.

Ecclesiastical

Relates specifically to the structure and governance of a church.

Theological

Deals with the study and interpretation of religious doctrines.

Churchgoing

Emphasizes the act of attending religious services.

Clerical

Relates to the clergy or those ordained for religious service.

FAQs

How can I use "religious" in a sentence?

The adjective "religious" is used to describe something related to religion or someone who is committed to the practice of religion. For example, "The community has strong "religious beliefs"" or "She is a very "religious person"".

What's the difference between "religious" and "spiritual"?

"Religious" often refers to adherence to a specific set of doctrines and practices within an organized religion, while "spiritual" tends to focus on an individual's personal connection to something greater than themselves, which may or may not involve organized religion. Thus "spiritual" can exist outside of religion while "religious" usually implies belonging to a religion.

What can I say instead of "religious"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "devout", "pious", "spiritual", or "faith-based".

Is it correct to say "religious belief" or should I use another term?

"Religious belief" is a perfectly acceptable and common term. However, you could also use phrases like "faith-based belief" or "spiritual conviction", depending on the nuance you want to convey.