religious person
Definition
Noun: A person who manifests devotion to a deity. This term describes an individual whose life and actions demonstrate a committed belief in and reverence for a god or gods, often through practices like prayer, worship, or adherence to specific doctrines.
Usage
The term "religious person" is a general, neutral descriptor for someone who is devout or pious within a faith tradition. It focuses on the individual's personal expression of belief and devotion. - It is commonly used in sociological, psychological, or general discussions about faith and practice. - It can apply to adherents of any theistic religion (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism).
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "a religious person at heart": Describes someone whose fundamental nature or private feelings are devout, regardless of outward practice.
- Though not regular at church, she is a religious person at heart.
- In academic or interfaith dialogue, the plural "religious persons" is often preferred to "religious people" to emphasize individual agency and diversity within faith communities.
Variants and Related Words
- Devotee (n): A person who is very enthusiastic and dedicated to a particular deity, cause, or activity. Often implies a stronger or more specific fervor than "religious person."
- Believer (n): A more general term for someone who accepts a particular religion as true. A "religious person" is inherently a believer, but a "believer" may not always be visibly devout.
- Theist (n): A person who believes in the existence of a god or gods. This is a philosophical classification, whereas "religious person" implies active devotion.
Synonyms
- Devout person: Emphasizes deep, sincere religious feeling and pious observance.
- Pious individual: Stresses reverence for God and dutiful performance of religious obligations. Can sometimes carry a nuance of sanctimony.
- Person of faith: A common, respectful synonym that highlights the individual's belief system.
Antonyms
- Atheist: A person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.
- Agnostic: A person who believes that the existence of God or the divine is unknown or unknowable.
- Secularist: A person who advocates the separation of religion from public and social life.
Noun
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a person who manifests devotion to a deity
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