devotionals
|de-vo-tion-als|
🇺🇸
/dɪˈvoʊʃənəlz/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈvəʊʃ(ə)n(ə)lz/
(devotional)
religious worship
Etymology
'devotional' originates from Latin, specifically the noun 'devotio' and the past participle 'devotus', where 'devotus' meant 'devoted' or 'consecrated'.
'devotus' (Latin) produced 'devotio' (Latin), which passed into Old French as 'devocion'/'devotion' and into Middle English as 'devocioun'/'devotion'; the adjective 'devotional' developed in modern English from 'devotion' + the adjectival suffix '-al'.
Initially it referred to dedication or consecration ('devotion' in a religious sense); over time it widened to mean things related to religious devotion, including short devotional readings and items used for private worship.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a short religious reading, reflection, or meditation intended for personal devotion, often published in books, booklets, or online as daily readings.
She reads devotionals each morning to start her day with prayer and reflection.
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Noun 2
religious exercises, services, or acts of devotion (less commonly used in plural to refer to devotional practices or meetings).
Their weekly devotionals include singing, Scripture readings, and silent prayer.
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Adjective 1
relating to devotion or used for devotional purposes; marked by prayer or piety (when used attributively, e.g., devotional music).
These devotionals materials have a clearly devotional tone, intended to encourage prayer and reflection.
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Last updated: 2025/10/21 23:05