Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to the human spirit or soul, as opposed to physical or material things: "Spiritual" describes matters concerning the inner, non-physical essence of a person, such as their values, beliefs, and sense of purpose.
   • Relating to sacred or religious matters: "Spiritual" can describe things connected to religion, faith, or the divine.
   • Resembling or characteristic of a spirit; lacking a physical form: "Spiritual" can describe something that seems ghostly, ethereal, or not of the material world.

2. Noun:

   • A religious folk song, especially one originating among African Americans in the southern United States: A "spiritual" is a type of song with themes from Christian beliefs, often created and sung within a community.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • She found spiritual comfort in meditation. (Here, "spiritual" relates to inner peace and well-being.)
  • The priest is a spiritual leader for the community. (Here, "spiritual" relates to religious guidance.)
  • The medium claimed to have a spiritual connection with the other side. (Here, "spiritual" relates to the non-physical realm of spirits.)

• Noun:

  • The choir sang a powerful spiritual called "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." (Here, "spiritual" is a specific type of religious song.)

Advanced Usage

• "Spiritual awakening": A profound realization or shift in one's inner life or religious understanding.
  • His journey led to a deep spiritual awakening.
• "Spiritual but not religious": A phrase used to describe a person who believes in or seeks a connection with a higher power or inner truth but does not follow a specific organized religion.
  • Many people today identify as spiritual but not religious.

Variants and Related Words

• Spirituality (n): The quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul.
  • She explores themes of spirituality in her poetry.
• Spiritually (adv): In a way that relates to the spirit.
  • He felt spiritually renewed after the retreat.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Non-material, inner, religious, sacred, ecclesiastical, ethereal, incorporeal.
• Noun: Hymn, gospel song, religious song.

Related Phrases

• Spiritual guidance: Advice or leadership in matters of faith or personal growth.
  • She sought spiritual guidance from her mentor.
• Spiritual home: A place where one feels a deep sense of belonging or connection, often related to beliefs.
  • The ancient temple felt like his spiritual home.

Adjective

1. resembling or characteristic of a phantom
   • a ghostly face at the window
   • a phantasmal presence in the room
   • spectral emanations
   • spiritual tappings at a seance
2. lacking material body or form or substance
   • spiritual beings
   • the vital transcendental soul belonging to the spiritual realm-Lewis Mumford
3. concerned with or affecting the spirit or soul
   • a spiritual approach to life
   • spiritual fulfillment
   • spiritual values
   • unearthly love
4. concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
   • religious texts
   • a member of a religious order
   • lords temporal and spiritual
   • spiritual leaders
   • spiritual songs

Noun

1. a kind of religious song originated by Blacks in the southern United States