spiritualize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “spiritualize” mean?
To give a spiritual character or meaning to something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To give a spiritual character or meaning to something; to interpret in a spiritual sense.
To imbue with a spiritual quality, elevate above mundane or material concerns, or to make something seem more refined, pure, or related to the soul or religion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The word is rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word is associated with religious discourse, philosophy, and literary criticism. It may sometimes have a slightly pretentious connotation in secular contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both BrE and AmE. Slightly more likely to be encountered in academic theological or philosophical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “spiritualize” in a Sentence
[Subject] + spiritualize + [Direct Object] (e.g., The mystic sought to spiritualize everyday actions.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spiritualize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The poet's work seeks to spiritualize the bleak industrial landscape.
- Some theologians aim to spiritualize ancient rituals for modern congregations.
American English
- The movement tried to spiritualize politics by focusing on moral values.
- Her teaching spiritualizes the practice of mindful eating.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theology, philosophy of religion, and literary studies to describe the process of attributing spiritual significance.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound highly formal or affected.
Technical
Used in specialized religious or esoteric writings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spiritualize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spiritualize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spiritualize”
- Using it as a synonym for 'motivate' or 'inspire' in a non-spiritual context. Confusing it with 'spiritual' (adjective). Overusing in general writing where simpler words exist.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word primarily used in formal, religious, academic, or literary contexts.
Yes, it can sometimes imply an unrealistic, overly pious, or forced attempt to find spiritual meaning where it may not be relevant, e.g., 'He tends to spiritualize every minor setback.'
The noun form is 'spiritualization'.
Yes. 'Inspire' means to fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something, often creative. 'Spiritualize' is more specific, meaning to give a explicitly spiritual character or interpretation to something.
To give a spiritual character or meaning to something.
Spiritualize is usually formal, literary, academic, religious in register.
Spiritualize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪrɪtʃʊəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪrɪtʃuəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The verb itself is used literally.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of taking a plain 'spirit' (like a ghost or soul) and making it '-alize' (realize or actualize) in something else. You 'spiritualize' an object by putting spirit into it.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUALITY IS PURITY/ELEVATION (to spiritualize is to purify or lift above the physical).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'spiritualize' most appropriately used?