state religion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “state religion” mean?
An official religion established and supported by the government of a country.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official religion established and supported by the government of a country.
The concept or system where a specific religion is formally endorsed by the state, often granting it privileges and financial support, and sometimes influencing laws and education.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The concept itself is more frequently discussed in the US context due to its constitutional separation of church and state, whereas the UK has an established church (the Church of England).
Connotations
In the UK, it often refers to the historical and current status of the established church. In the US, it is primarily a theoretical or cautionary concept linked to the First Amendment.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American academic/political discourse debating constitutional principles.
Grammar
How to Use “state religion” in a Sentence
The state religion of [Country] is...[Country] has a state religion.They established [Religion] as the state religion.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “state religion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Act of Settlement helped to state the religion of the realm.
American English
- The constitution prevents the government from stating a religion.
adverb
British English
- The country is state-religiously homogeneous. (rare)
American English
- The policy was implemented state-religiously. (rare)
adjective
British English
- The state-religion relationship is complex.
- He studies state-religion dynamics.
American English
- The state-religion clause is foundational.
- They debated state-religion entanglement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in risk analysis for companies operating in countries with strict religious laws.
Academic
Common in political science, history, sociology, and law papers discussing the relationship between government and religion.
Everyday
Used in informed discussions about politics, history, or current events in specific countries.
Technical
Precise term in constitutional law, comparative politics, and religious studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “state religion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “state religion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “state religion”
- Using 'state religion' to mean simply 'a common religion in a state/region'. It requires official legal establishment.
- Confusing it with 'state church', which is specific to Christian denominations (e.g., Church of England).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Church of England is the established church, making it the state religion of England. The UK monarch is its Supreme Governor.
No. The First Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits the establishment of a state religion, guaranteeing a separation of church and state.
While uncommon, it is possible. For example, some countries officially recognise multiple religions. The term then might be 'state religions'.
A state religion is an official religion supported by the state. A theocracy is a form of government where religious leaders rule in the name of a deity, and religious law is the foundation of the legal system. A country can have a state religion without being a theocracy (e.g., the UK).
An official religion established and supported by the government of a country.
State religion is usually formal, academic in register.
State religion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪt rɪˈlɪdʒ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪt rɪˈlɪdʒ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly. The term is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'state' (government) giving a 'religion' a special stamp of approval, making it the official one.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION AS A STATE INSTITUTION (framing religion as part of the official government machinery).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'state religion'?