What does votive mean?
Votive is chiefly an adjective describing something given or made in fulfillment of a vow. It often appears in religious contexts, especially with candles, offerings, masses, and other devotional acts, but it can also refer to commemorative gifts or ceremonies motivated by a promise. The related noun, a votive, means the object or offering itself. In contemporary English, the word carries a solemn and ceremonial tone rather than an everyday one. Its unusual sound and specialized use make it a precise word for an act of devotion or gratitude that has a promise attached. The word also preserves a clear connection with vow: historically, votive comes through Latin from a word meaning a vow or solemn promise.
Given, made, or offered in fulfillment of a vow.
"She placed a votive candle beside the image of the saint."
The adjective is chiefly used for religious offerings, devotional acts, and ceremonies connected with a vow.
An object, offering, or act dedicated in fulfillment of a vow.
"The small votives were arranged along the chapel wall."
As a noun, votive is relatively uncommon and is most often encountered in religious or ceremonial contexts.
The plural is used for individual offerings or devotional objects dedicated in fulfillment of a vow.
"Many votives were placed near the altar."
A votive candle is more than decoration: it is light offered in answer to a promise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does votive come from?
The English word comes from Latin votivus, meaning given in fulfillment of a vow, derived from votum, “vow,” which is related to vovere, “to vow.” The Latin family also produced English words such as vow, votary, vote, and avow. Votive entered English as a formal religious and commemorative term and retained the central idea of an offering linked to a promise.
Related word forms
How votive is actually used
Votive is formal and chiefly religious or commemorative in modern English. It commonly describes offerings, candles, services, and ceremonies connected with a promise or vow.
Easily confused with votive
A votive is specifically given in fulfillment of a vow, whereas a devotive object expresses religious devotion without necessarily being promised or pledged.