What does spiritually mean?
Spiritually is an adverb meaning in relation to the soul, religion, faith, or the inner and nonmaterial parts of life. In religious settings, it describes devotion, worship, or a person's connection with something sacred: the ceremony was spiritually significant, or the experience changed her spiritually. More broadly, it can refer to inner values and moral character, often contrasting with physical or material concerns, as in spiritually fulfilled or spiritually aware. The word is used in both formal and informal English and is common in discussions of religion, personal development, philosophy, and wellbeing. Its meaning ranges from a specifically devotional sense to a broader metaphysical or inward-looking one. Because spiritually describes the manner or character of an action, state, or experience, it often works where an adjective such as spiritual would not: a person may describe an event as spiritual, but another person may say it was spiritually meaningful.
adverbIn a spiritual or religious sense; in relation to the soul, faith, or nonmaterial aspects of life. It can also mean with respect to a person's inner or moral character.
- In relation to religion, the soul, faith, or spiritual practice.
- With respect to inner, moral, or nonmaterial concerns rather than physical or material ones.
"The pilgrimage became spiritually meaningful to her despite the physical hardships."
"The retreat helped her feel spiritually renewed."
"The community's history is spiritually important to many residents, even those who do not describe themselves as religious."
Spiritually is the adverb that carries a belief beyond the visible world: it can describe how someone worships, how deeply they feel connected, or what matters to their inner life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spiritually come from?
Spiritually was formed from the adjective spiritual, which derives from Latin spiritualis, related to spiritus, meaning breath, spirit, or soul. The adverb developed within English in the tradition of forming adverbs from adjectives. The underlying Latin root also gave English words such as spirit, inspire, and inspiration, while related forms appear cognately in several European languages.
How spiritually is actually used
The word is standard in formal and informal English. It may sound devotional or metaphysical, especially in religious contexts, but it is also used more broadly for inner life and moral values. It is not regionally restricted.
Easily confused with spiritually
Spiritual is an adjective, whereas spiritually is an adverb: spiritual well-being and spiritually fulfilled.
Spirituality names the state or quality of being spiritual, while spiritually describes an action or condition performed in that way.