religiosity
|re-li-gi-os-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/rɪˌlɪdʒiˈɑsəti/
🇬🇧
/rɪˌlɪdʒiˈɒsəti/
degree or intensity of being religious
Etymology
'religiosity' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'religiositas', where 'religio' meant 'reverence' or 'religious observance' and the suffix '-ositas' (from Latin '-osus' + '-itas') meant 'quality' or 'state'.
'religiosity' changed from Latin 'religiositas' and was influenced by Old French 'religiosité' before entering modern English as 'religiosity' in later usage (formed from 'religion/religious' + '-ity').
Initially, it meant 'the state or quality of being religious' in a neutral descriptive sense, but over time it has also developed a usage implying excessive, ostentatious, or zealous religious behavior.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being religious; religious feeling or devotion.
His religiosity was evident in his daily attendance at services and frequent prayer.
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Noun 2
religious fervor or zealousness; sometimes used with a negative sense to indicate excessive, showy, or rigid religious practice.
Critics accused the movement of political opportunism masked by religiosity.
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Last updated: 2025/11/19 06:30