What does spiritualistic mean?
Spiritualistic means connected with spiritualism, especially the belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living through mediums or other means. It can also describe an approach that interprets events through supernatural or spiritual forces rather than through material or purely rational explanations. The word is usually encountered in discussions of religious movements, mediumship, occult practices, and supernatural phenomena. It should not be confused with “spiritual,” which is broader and commonly refers to the soul, religious life, or inner spiritual development. “Spiritualistic” is the more precise and less frequent term, and its use often carries a scholarly or critical tone.
Relating to spiritualism or to the belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living.
"The investigator questioned the medium about her spiritualistic practices."
Most often used in reference to spiritualism, mediums, or supernatural communication; it is relatively uncommon in general usage.
Characterized by a spiritual or supernatural interpretation of events or phenomena.
"The novel uses a spiritualistic framework to explain its central mystery."
This extended sense is less frequent than the reference to spiritualism and may carry a critical or analytical tone.
A word for ideas that treat the unseen world as something that can be consulted, communicated with, or even tested.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spiritualistic come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from “spiritualism” or “spiritualist” together with the suffix “-istic,” meaning “pertaining to” or “characterized by.” Its development followed the emergence of organized spiritualism in the 19th century, particularly in Britain and the United States. Related forms include “spiritualism,” “spiritualist,” and “spirituality,” all of which share the older root “spirit.”
How spiritualistic is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon and somewhat specialized term. It is most often used in discussions of spiritualism, mediumship, and the supernatural; “spiritual” is the more general and much more frequent word.
Easily confused with spiritualistic
“Spiritual” means relating to the soul, spirituality, or religious belief in general, whereas “spiritualistic” more specifically refers to spiritualism and the claimed communication with the spirits of the dead.