antispiritual
|an-ti-spir-i-tu-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈspɪr.ɪ.tʃu.əl/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈspɪr.ɪ.tjuː.əl/
against spirituality
Etymology
'antispiritual' is formed in modern English by combining the Greek prefix 'anti-' (meaning 'against') with the adjective 'spiritual', which itself comes from Latin 'spiritus' ('breath, spirit').
'spiritus' (Latin) became Old French/Latin-derived forms such as 'spirituel' and entered Middle English as 'spiritual'; in modern English the productive prefix 'anti-' was attached to create 'antispiritual'.
The parts 'anti-' (against) and 'spiritual' (relating to spirit) originally carried the literal senses 'against the spirit'; over time the combined form has been used to describe opposition to spirituality or a lack of spiritual concern.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
opposed to or hostile toward spiritual beliefs, practices, or the idea of spirituality.
His antispiritual arguments alienated members of the congregation.
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Adjective 2
characterized by a lack of spiritual interest or concern; materialistic or worldly rather than concerned with inner, spiritual matters.
The period was marked by antispiritual attitudes that prized wealth and status over contemplation.
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Last updated: 2025/09/10 14:20