religious
/rɪˈlɪdʒəs/
adjective
Origin
Latin
religiosus — pious, devout, scrupulous
Overview
Meaning Now
- Relating to or believing in a religion.
- Scrupulous and diligent; conscientious.
Literal older meaning
Bound back or tied (to a divine power)
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
religios
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term emerged from the Latin concept of 'religio,' which initially denoted a sense of obligation or constraint in relation to the gods. In medieval times, it was frequently used to describe members of monastic orders ('religious' as a noun), emphasizing their strict adherence to their rules.
Evolution
- Latin
religare
“to bind fast”
The root of religion; to bind back or tie together.
- Late Latin
religiosus
“devout, religious”
Developed to distinguish between mere observance and internal piety.
- Old French
religieus
“pious, monastic”
- Middle English
religious
“devout”
Connections
Word parts
re-
prefix
back or again
lig
root
to bind
-ious
suffix
possessing the qualities of
Related across languages
French
religieux
religious
Spanish
religious
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.