Can 'devotional' be used to describe a person?

No, it is not standard. 'Devotional' describes objects, acts, or feelings. For a person, use 'devout' (religious context) or 'devoted' (general loyalty).

What is the difference between 'devotional' and 'devout'?

'Devout' is an adjective primarily for people who are deeply religious. 'Devotional' is an adjective for things (objects, music, practices) used in or expressing religious devotion.

Is 'devotional' only a religious word?

Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is religious. However, it has a recognised extended, metaphorical use to describe any intense, reverent dedication resembling religious devotion (e.g., 'a devotional fanbase').

What is the noun form of 'devotional'?

The related noun is 'devotion'. 'Devotional' itself can also be used as a noun, especially in plural ('devotionals'), meaning short religious services or publications for private worship.

Is “devotional” formal?

Devotional is usually formal, religious, literary in register.

How do you pronounce “devotional”?

Devotional: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈvəʊʃ(ə)n(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈvoʊʃ(ə)n(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

devotional: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/dɪˈvəʊʃ(ə)n(ə)l/US/dɪˈvoʊʃ(ə)n(ə)l/

Formal, Religious, Literary

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “devotional” mean?

Relating to or used in religious worship or prayer.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Relating to or used in religious worship or prayer.

Showing deep affection, loyalty, or reverence towards a person, cause, or practice, often in a way that resembles religious devotion.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is identical. American usage may be slightly more common in describing non-religious, intense fan loyalty (e.g., 'devotional following').

Connotations

Strongly associated with formal religious practice in both varieties. Can carry a slightly old-fashioned or solemn tone when used outside strict religious contexts.

Frequency

Low-frequency word in general corpora, but a high-frequency term within religious discourse, theological writing, and descriptions of religious art/music.

Grammar

How to Use “devotional” in a Sentence

be + devotional + to + NP (e.g., devotional to the saint)of + a + devotional + naturefor + devotional + purposes

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

devotional literaturedevotional musicdevotional practicesdevotional objectdevotional reading

medium

devotional aspectdevotional lifedevotional purposedeeply devotionalpurely devotional

weak

devotional feelingdevotional attitudedevotional qualityhighly devotional

Examples

Examples of “devotional” in a Sentence

verb

British English

N/A (No verb form for 'devotional')

American English

N/A (No verb form for 'devotional')

adverb

British English

N/A (The adverb is 'devotionally', which is very rare).

American English

N/A (The adverb is 'devotionally', which is very rare).

adjective

British English

The chapel housed many precious devotional items.
She attended a devotional service each morning.

American English

The museum has a gallery for devotional art.
He writes devotional poetry in his spare time.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Might appear in corporate histories describing founder's philosophy: 'The company was run with almost devotional attention to detail.'

Academic

Common in Religious Studies, Theology, History of Art/Music. 'The dissertation examines medieval devotional manuscripts.'

Everyday

Uncommon in casual speech. May be used to describe intense hobbies or fandoms: 'Her devotional collection of the band's memorabilia filled a room.'

Technical

Specific term in religion (devotional prayer, devotional movement), art history (devotional image), and musicology (devotional song).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “devotional”

Strong

votiveliturgicalsacramental

Neutral

reverentialpiousworshipfulprayerful

Weak

dedicatedfaithfulcommitted (in secular extended use)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “devotional”

secular profaneirreverentimpiousblasphemous

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “devotional”

Using 'devotional' to describe a person (e.g., 'He is a devotional follower') – 'devout' or 'devoted' is better. Overusing in secular contexts where 'dedicated' or 'passionate' suffices.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is not standard. 'Devotional' describes objects, acts, or feelings. For a person, use 'devout' (religious context) or 'devoted' (general loyalty).
: 'Devout' is an adjective primarily for people who are deeply religious. 'Devotional' is an adjective for things (objects, music, practices) used in or expressing religious devotion.
: Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is religious. However, it has a recognised extended, metaphorical use to describe any intense, reverent dedication resembling religious devotion (e.g., 'a devotional fanbase').
: The related noun is 'devotion'. 'Devotional' itself can also be used as a noun, especially in plural ('devotionals'), meaning short religious services or publications for private worship.
: Relating to or used in religious worship or prayer.
: Devotional is usually formal, religious, literary in register.
: Devotional: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈvəʊʃ(ə)n(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈvoʊʃ(ə)n(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None specific to 'devotional' as a standalone word.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of DEVOTIONAL as the ADJECTIVE form of DEVOTION. If something is full of devotion (especially religious), it is devotional.

Conceptual Metaphor

RELIGIOUS REVERENCE IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT/A PRACTICE (e.g., 'devotional objects', 'devotional practices'). INTENSE COMMITMENT IS RELIGIOUS DEVOTION (e.g., 'a devotional fan').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The medieval triptych was created for purely purposes, not for public display.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the use of 'devotional' LEAST appropriate?