religion
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
A structured system of beliefs, practices, and moral codes concerning the nature of the divine, the universe, and human purpose, often involving worship of a god or gods.
A pursuit or interest followed with great devotion and zeal (e.g., 'Football is his religion').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can refer to both the abstract concept of religious faith and to a specific organized tradition (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Buddhism). The extended meaning indicates an intense, almost devotional commitment to a non-religious activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor differences may exist in legal/state context (e.g., 'established church' in the UK).
Connotations
Similar in both. The term is neutral, though in secular contexts it can carry connotations of institutional dogma.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Adj] + religion (e.g., organised religion)[V] + religion (e.g., study religion)religion + [V] (e.g., religion teaches)religion + [Prep] + [NP] (e.g., religion of peace)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get religion (to suddenly become devout or zealous about something)”
- “Religion of peace”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'business ethics' discussions or corporate social responsibility.
Academic
Frequent in sociology, anthropology, history, and theology. Neutral and descriptive.
Everyday
Common in discussions about personal beliefs, culture, and ethics.
Technical
Specific in theology/religious studies, with defined sub-categories (e.g., 'revealed religion', 'natural religion').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No direct verb form in common use. 'Religify' is non-standard/jocular.
American English
- No direct verb form in common use. 'Religionize' is archaic/rare.
adverb
British English
- Religiously (meaning 'in a devout manner' or 'with strict regularity').
American English
- Religiously (meaning 'in a devout manner' or 'with strict regularity').
adjective
British English
- Religious (most common).
- Religiose (rare, often pejorative).
American English
- Religious (most common).
- Religion-based (e.g., religion-based discrimination).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His religion is very important to him.
- People have different religions.
- The course covers the history of world religions.
- She practises her religion every day.
- Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right.
- Some argue that organised religion can be a force for social cohesion.
- The anthropologist analysed the indigenous religion's role in shaping societal norms.
- His critique focused on the politicisation of religion throughout the century.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person RE-LIving (RE-LI-) their beliefs every day as a condition (-GION) for their worldview. Religion is a set of beliefs you re-live and act upon.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION IS A PATH/JOURNEY (e.g., 'spiritual path', 'way of life'), RELIGION IS A BUILDING/STRUCTURE (e.g., 'pillars of faith', 'foundation of belief').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'религия' (direct cognate) – meanings align closely, but the English word is more commonly used in academic and neutral public discourse, whereas the Russian term can sometimes carry a slightly more archaic or formal tone in casual conversation.
- The English phrase 'freedom of religion' is a set legal term; a direct word-for-word translation into Russian might not capture the specific constitutional concept.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'religions' is correct for multiple faiths. No irregular plural.
- Confusing 'religion' with 'denomination' (e.g., Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity, not a separate religion).
- Using 'religion' as a countable noun when referring to the abstract concept: 'He studies religion' (uncountable) vs. 'The country has many religions' (countable).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is an extended, metaphorical use of 'religion'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. Uncountable when referring to the general concept (e.g., 'Religion interests him'). Countable when referring to specific systems (e.g., 'Christianity and Islam are two major religions').
'Religion' typically implies an organized system with shared doctrines, rituals, and institutions. 'Spirituality' is often used for a more personal, individual search for meaning or connection with the sacred, which may exist outside formal religious structures.
Yes, depending on context. In neutral academic use, it is descriptive. In secular or critical discourse, it can carry negative connotations of dogma, superstition, or institutional control (e.g., 'blindly following religion').
'Religious' is the standard and most frequent adjective (e.g., 'religious beliefs', 'religious leader').
Collections
Part of a collection
Travel and Culture
B1 · 48 words · Cultural experiences and traveling the world.
Cultural Topics
B2 · 47 words · Analyzing culture, society and identity.