What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
religious
Example
She is a very religious person and attends church every Sunday. [religious: adjective]
Example
The religious leaders gathered to discuss the future of their community. [religious: adjective]
spiritual
Example
He considers himself a spiritual person and practices meditation daily. [spiritual: adjective]
Example
The retreat center offers various spiritual programs for those seeking inner healing. [spiritual: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Religious is more commonly used than spiritual in everyday language, especially in the context of organized religion. However, spiritual has gained popularity in recent years as more people seek a more individualized approach to spirituality.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between religious and spiritual?
Religious is typically associated with a formal and institutional tone, while spiritual is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
