religiosity
/ri,lidʤi'ɔsiti/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * Exaggerated or affected piety and religious zeal: An excessive, showy, or insincere display of religious devotion, fervor, or sentimentality. It implies that the religious feeling or behavior is not genuine but is performed for effect.
Examples of Usage
- The preacher's theatrical gestures and dramatic tears struck some as mere religiosity rather than sincere faith.
- Critics of the regime accused it of using public displays of religiosity to mask its oppressive policies.
- Her faith was deep and personal, completely devoid of any religiosity.
Advanced Usage
- Sociological context: In academic discourse, "religiosity" can be a neutral term referring to the extent and nature of an individual's or group's religious involvement, beliefs, and practices. However, the negative connotation of affectation is often present.
- The study measured the religiosity of the population across several dimensions, including belief, practice, and experience.
- As a critique: The term is frequently used to criticize what the speaker perceives as empty ritualism or ostentatious devotion.
- He rejected the hollow religiosity of his upbringing in search of a more authentic spiritual path.
Variants and Related Words
- Religious (adj): Relating to or believing in a religion.
- Religion (n): The belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.
- Pietism (n): A movement stressing personal piety and devotion; can also imply exaggerated or affected piety (similar to religiosity).
- Devoutness (n): The quality of being deeply religious; sincere piety (often a genuine antonym of religiosity).
Synonyms
- Piety (though this can be genuine or affected)
- Sanctimoniousness
- Pietism
- Religious zealotry (when excessive)
- Pharisaism (alluding to ostentatious religious observance)
Antonyms
- Irreligion
- Atheism
- Secularism
- Genuine devotion
- Sincerity
Noun
- exaggerated or affected piety and religious zeal