What does religion mean?
Religion denotes belief in and reverence for a deity or deities, together with the worship, moral principles, and practices associated with that belief. It may also refer to an organized spiritual tradition or to the broader role of faith in a society. In personal contexts, the word often carries positive connotations of commitment, meaning, and moral guidance, although discussions of religion can also concern disagreement, persecution, or the relationship between religious institutions and public life. The term is used both as a countable noun, as in “a world religion,” and as an uncountable noun, as in “freedom of religion.” It is distinct from “religious,” which describes a person, practice, or object connected with faith. Understanding the word in its collective sense can obscure individual variation within major traditions, so context is important.
nounReligion is belief in and reverence for a deity or deities, often expressed through worship, moral principles, and religious practices. The term can also refer to an organized system of faith or to religion as a general field of belief and practice.
- A belief in and reverence for a deity or deities, especially as expressed through worship and moral conduct.
- An organized system or tradition of spiritual belief and practice, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, or Buddhism.
- A comprehensive set of beliefs concerning life, the universe, and human existence, especially one concerning a deity or spiritual reality.
- The broader sphere of religious belief, practice, and institutions within a society.
"Her religion taught her to care for people who were strangers."
"The study examines how religion influences family life and public behavior."
"Freedom of religion is protected by the country's constitution."
Used when referring to distinct systems or traditions of belief and practice.
"The course compares the doctrines and histories of several world religions."
The word “religion” began with a sense of obligation or binding duty, long before it came to mean faith or worship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of religion
The word entered Middle English through Old French religion, from Latin religio, an originally concrete term meaning obligation, binding, or reverent observance. Latin religio is commonly traced to relegere, a compound of re- and legere, literally “go back” or “reread.” Its later development included the sense of ritual observance and, eventually, the modern meanings concerning faith, worship, and systems of belief. Related English forms include religious, religiously, and religiosity.
Related word forms
How religion is actually used
Religion can refer to personal devotion, an organized faith, or religion in general. Capitalization is appropriate for the name of a specific religion but not for the general concept. The word should not be used to imply that a shared belief necessarily entails hostility or intolerance toward other beliefs.
Easily confused with religion
Religion is a system of belief, practice, or devotion; religious is the adjective describing someone who follows a religion or something connected with religious belief.