What does spirituality mean?
Spirituality is the quality or practice of spiritual life: an inward awareness of faith, meaning, transcendence, moral purpose, or connection with something greater than oneself. The word does not necessarily imply membership in a religion, and it is frequently used for contemplative activities such as meditation, prayer, reflection, and the study of spiritual traditions. It can also describe a person’s general orientation toward questions of the soul, consciousness, and ultimate meaning. In everyday usage, spirituality often conveys a personal and inward dimension of experience, whereas religiosity more specifically emphasizes religious belief, devotion, or observance. Although spirituality can refer to formal religious traditions, it is equally common in secular contexts, including mindfulness, nature-based spiritual practice, and ethical reflection. The word is therefore useful for discussing the ways people seek meaning, cultivate inner awareness, or relate their lives to larger questions of existence.
nounThe quality or state of being spiritual, especially in relation to questions of faith, the soul, transcendence, or a sense of connection with something greater. It can also refer more broadly to a person’s inner moral or philosophical life.
- The quality or practice of having a spiritual life, particularly a sense of connection with the divine, the universe, or a transcendent reality.
- The inner, contemplative, or morally oriented dimension of a person’s life.
- A broad outlook that emphasizes spiritual or transcendent concerns over material ones.
"Her contemplative practice gave the day a deep sense of spirituality."
"The retreat offered her time to explore her spirituality away from the distractions of daily life."
"Many people find spirituality through art, nature, meditation, or religious practice."
The plural is appropriate when referring to distinct forms or expressions of spiritual life, although singular usage is much more common.
"The study compares the spiritualities of several different traditions."
Spirituality can belong to a religion, but it does not require one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spirituality come from?
Spirituality derives from spiritual, which in turn comes from Latin spiritualis, meaning “of the spirit” or “of the soul.” The adjective was formed from spiritus, the Latin word for “spirit,” “breath,” or “soul.” Its development into a noun meaning the state or quality of being spiritual was reinforced in English religious usage during the 17th century. Related words include spiritual, spiritualism, and spirit, all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How spirituality is actually used
The term is common in general and religious contexts. It often denotes an inward or contemplative dimension of life, so it may suggest a personal, non-institutional understanding of spiritual matters.
Easily confused with spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an inner sense of connection or transcendence whether or not it is tied to an organized religion, whereas religiosity more specifically concerns religious belief or practice.
Spirit can refer to a person’s consciousness, mood, or essential nature, while spirituality is chiefly the broader quality or practice of spiritual life.