— religiously , adv. — religiousness , n.
/ri lij"euhs/ , adj., n., pl. religious .
adj.
1. of, pertaining to, or concerned with religion: a religious holiday.
2. imbued with or exhibiting religion; pious; devout; godly: a religious man.
3. scrupulously faithful; conscientious: religious care.
4. pertaining to or connected with a monastic or religious order.
5. appropriate to religion or to sacred rites or observances.
n.
6. a member of a religious order, congregation, etc.; a monk, friar, or nun.
7. the religious , devout or religious persons: Each year, thousands of the religious make pilgrimages to the shrine.
[ 1175-1225; ME ( religiosus, equiv. to religi ( o ) RELIGION + -osus -OUS ]
Syn. 2. reverent. RELIGIOUS, DEVOUT, PIOUS indicate a spirit of reverence toward God. RELIGIOUS is a general word, applying to whatever pertains to faith or worship: a religious ceremony. DEVOUT indicates a fervent spirit, usually genuine and often independent of outward observances: a deeply devout though unorthodox church member. PIOUS implies constant attention to, and extreme conformity with, outward observances. It can also suggest sham or hypocrisy: a pious hypocrite. 3. devoted, unswerving, meticulous.
Ant. 2. impious.