Religiosa

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Pertaining to matters of faith, devotion, or spiritual practice; relating to institutions or communities centered on beliefs in higher powers; characteristic of or dedicated to religious customs and rituals
2. Connected with the observance of sacred doctrines or the pursuit of spiritual truth; describing groups or individuals engaged in worship and veneration; associated with the principles and traditions of organized faith systems
3. Involving aspects of worship, divine worship, or adherence to spiritual laws; referring to entities devoted to religious life or cultural expressions of faith; embodying qualities tied to sacred rites and theological commitments

Etymology: Cicero proposed that "religio" came from "relegere," to read again or go over carefully, because worshippers had to repeat the proper rites with care. The Christian writer Lactantius later preferred "religare," to bind, arguing that religion ties people back to God. Modern scholars doubt both explanations, and the true origin of the Latin root is uncertain. From "religio" came the adjective "religiosus," meaning devout or scrupulous in observance. Its feminine form, "religiosa," was used of a woman bound by religious vows. Italian and Spanish kept that sense, so "religiosa" still names a nun in those languages, and that is why the English noun points to a person rather than to a quality of devotion.

Synonyms: religious piece, sacred music