spiritualize
|spir-i-tu-al-ize|
🇺🇸
/ˈspɪrɪtʃəˌlaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈspɪrɪtʃʊəˌlaɪz/
make spiritual / give spiritual meaning
Etymology
'spiritualize' originates from Modern English, formed from the adjective 'spiritual' + the verb-forming suffix '-ize', where 'spiritual' ultimately comes from Latin 'spiritus' meaning 'breath, spirit' and '-ize' meant 'to make or to render'.
'spiritualize' developed in English by adding the productive suffix '-ize' to 'spiritual' (which came into English via Old French from Latin 'spiritus'); British spelling 'spiritualise' and American 'spiritualize' represent the same formation, evolving into the modern verb 'spiritualize'.
Initially it meant 'to make or render spiritual', and over time the meaning broadened to include 'to interpret in spiritual terms' and 'to elevate morally or emotionally'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make spiritual in character or quality; to give a religious or spiritual character to.
They tried to spiritualize the festival by adding prayers and quiet reflection.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to interpret or present something in spiritual or nonliteral terms (often as opposed to a literal or material interpretation).
Some readers spiritualize the poem, finding hidden moral and mystical meanings.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 3
to elevate or refine (something) morally or emotionally; to impart a higher, spiritual purpose or feeling.
She attempted to spiritualize daily chores by treating them as acts of service.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/12 20:26