spirituality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'spirituality' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a person's sense of connection to something that is greater than themselves, such as a higher power, or to talk about the practice of religious or spiritual principles. For example: "Sarah found solace in her spirituality and used it to find meaning in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are drawn from reviews in the Sunday Times by Waldemar Januszczak: "Rothko's problem… is the dark myth that he allowed to emerge around him while he was alive… This tremulous Rothko story line presents him as the Melancholy Martyr of Modernism, a deeply pessimistic presence whose painted fogs sag, paradoxically, with tons of heavyweight spirituality… His suicide topped it all off splendidly.

The Guardian

After a personal annus horribilis, a few days of spirituality and sobriety seem a more appropriate way to start 2009 than making unkeepable resolutions over flaming sambucas.

The Guardian - Travel

He makes no apology for the fact that spirituality is a big part of his life, in quite an amorphous way: he reads the Bible, "for the stories".

The Guardian - Music

There is a name for spaces such as this: "thin places", a Celtic Christian term for "those rare locales where the distance between heaven and Earth collapses", as Eric Weiner puts it in his spirituality travelogue, Man Seeks God.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

'Rave culture,' I wrote, 'is facile, empty of soul and humanity and based on a phony, chemically-induced concept of togetherness and spirituality.' A few hours earlier the photographer Jason Manning had disappeared to one of the dance floors built beneath the sand.

The Guardian - Music

Australian lawyer Richard Bourke, who works to save prisoners from death row in the US, has told of moments of spirituality, dignity and beauty in some of the toughest legal cases.

The Guardian

"There is a deep hunger for spirituality here," says Father Mateusz.

The Economist

But that is because Dr Beauregard is interested in one particular, and far more contentious, aspect of the mescaline experience the capacity of the drug to inspire feelings of spirituality or closeness to God.

The Economist

The sheikh (Amr Waked), in a whirl of mysticism, believes that the inner spirituality he feels when fly-fishing can spread peace across his homeland.

The Economist

It tackles another great Indian paradox: that, despite its spirituality and tolerance, the country has witnessed terrible atrocities committed in the name of religion.

The Economist

While some 70% of the French have a religion, and 90% of those are Catholic, France wears its spirituality lightly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "spirituality", be specific about what it means in the context you are using it. Is it related to a specific religion, a personal philosophy, or a general sense of connection to something larger than oneself?

Common error

Avoid using "spirituality" to describe trendy or fleeting wellness fads. Ensure that the practices you associate with "spirituality" have a deeper meaning and purpose beyond mere self-indulgence.

Linguistic Context

The word "spirituality" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes intangible aspects of existence. It commonly acts as a subject or object in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spirituality" is a noun denoting the quality of being spiritual. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and commonly used in English, particularly in the context of connecting to something greater than oneself. The word appears most often in news and media and formal business settings. While synonyms like "religiousness" and "soulfulness" exist, the specific meaning may shift depending on the context. When writing about "spirituality", it's crucial to be clear about the specific aspect or expression of spirituality you are referencing and avoid associating it with shallow trends. Ensure to use it in sentences as: "Her "spirituality" helped her through difficult times."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transcendence

Captures the act of rising above ordinary limitations, a key element in many interpretations of "spirituality".

soulfulness

Relates to the expression of deep feeling and emotion, representing the inner depth that "spirituality" often cultivates.

higher consciousness

Refers to an expanded state of awareness, representing a key goal in many spiritual practices.

sacredness

Highlights the quality of being holy or revered, touching on the religious connotations sometimes associated with "spirituality".

religiousness

Emphasizes adherence to religious doctrines and practices, differing from the broader sense of inner exploration in "spirituality".

self-discovery

Emphasizes the process of finding oneself and one's purpose, a central theme in personal "spirituality".

faithfulness

Highlights loyalty and devotion to a particular belief system, which is a narrower focus than the general concept of "spirituality".

devoutness

Implies a strong commitment to religious duties and observances, marking a more outwardly religious expression than general "spirituality".

inner peace

Focuses on the state of mental and emotional calm, representing one aspect of what "spirituality" can encompass.

moral compass

Refers to one's internal sense of right and wrong, relating to the ethical dimension that "spirituality" can influence.

FAQs

How can I use "spirituality" in a sentence?

You can use "spirituality" to describe a person's beliefs, practices, or sense of connection to something greater than themselves. For example, "Her "spirituality" helped her through difficult times."

What is the difference between "religion" and "spirituality"?

"Religion" typically refers to an organized system of beliefs and practices, while "spirituality" is a more personal and individual experience. One can be religious without being spiritual, and vice versa.

What are some synonyms for "spirituality"?

Synonyms for "spirituality" include "religiousness", "soulfulness", "devoutness", and "transcendence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "spirituality" always associated with religion?

No, "spirituality" is not always associated with religion. While it can encompass religious beliefs and practices, it can also refer to a secular sense of purpose, connection, or inner peace.