religious
UK: rɪˈlɪdʒəs | US: rɪˈlɪdʒəs
adj. relating to or believing in a religion
adj. showing devotion to a deity or spiritual practice
adj. scrupulously conscientious; meticulous
The word "religious" traces back to the Latin religiosus, derived from religio (reverence, obligation). The root relig- originally meant "to bind" (as in binding oneself to divine laws), reflecting the idea of devotion or commitment to spiritual practices. The suffix -ious transforms the noun into an adjective, emphasizing a quality of being devout or scrupulous. Over time, the term expanded to describe both formal adherence to faith and metaphorical "binding" to principles (e.g., "religious attention to detail").
She follows a religious lifestyle, attending temple daily.
His religious beliefs forbid eating meat on certain days.
The team showed religious dedication to their training schedule.
The manuscript contains religious texts from the 12th century.
He cleaned the machine with religious care.