Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling or having some qualities of a religious nature, but not truly or fully religious: Describes something that shares characteristics, forms, or feelings associated with religion, but which is not part of an established, formal religion or lacks its core doctrinal elements.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The organization had a quasi-religious devotion to its founder's philosophy. (The group's intense dedication was similar in fervor to religious worship, but the philosophy itself was not a religion.)
  • The ceremony had a quasi-religious atmosphere, with candles and solemn music, though it was a secular memorial. (The event felt somewhat religious in its mood and symbols, but its purpose was not religious.)
  • He followed a quasi-religious set of dietary rules based on personal beliefs rather than scripture. (The rules were strict and faith-like, but not derived from an organized religion.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used to describe movements, ideologies, or practices that inspire a level of commitment, ritual, or reverence typically associated with faith.
  • The political movement took on a quasi-religious character for its most ardent followers.
• Can describe language or symbolism that evokes religious connotations in a non-religious context.
  • The brand's marketing used quasi-religious imagery to inspire customer loyalty.

Variants and Related Words

• Quasi- (prefix): A prefix meaning "seemingly," "apparently but not really," or "partly." It is used to form adjectives indicating a resemblance or imperfect similarity.
  • Quasi-scientific, quasi-judicial, quasi-official.

Synonyms

• Semi-religious: Partly religious.
• Parareligious: Existing alongside or parallel to religion.
• Secular-religious (in some contexts): Blending secular and religious elements.

Antonyms

• Secular: Denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis.
• Profane: Not relating to that which is sacred or religious; secular.
• Doctrinal: Concerned with a system of religious or political doctrines.

Related Phrases

• Cult-like: Often used in a similar, though more pejorative, sense to describe excessive, uncritical devotion to a person or idea, resembling religious cult behavior.
  • The group was accused of having cult-like, quasi-religious control over its members.
• With religious fervor: An adverbial phrase describing how an action is done, which can create a similar meaning in context.
  • He pursued his artistic goals with religious fervor.

Adjective

1. resembling something that is religious