noun.
Recognition of and allegiance in manner of life to a superhuman power or superhuman powers, to whom allegiance and service are regarded as justly due.
noun.
The healthful development and right life of the spiritual nature, as contrasted with that of the mere intellectual and social powers.
noun.
Any system of faith in and worship of a divine Being or beings: as, the Christian religion; the religion of the Jews, Greeks, Hindus, or Mohammedans.
noun.
The rites or services of religion; the practice of sacred rites and ceremonies.
noun.
The state of life of a professed member of a regular monastic order: as, to enter religion; her name in religion is Mary Aloysia: now especially in Roman Catholic use.
noun.
A conscientious scruple; scrupulosity.
noun.
Sense of obligation; conscientiousness; sense of duty.
noun.
Synonyms Religion, Devotion, Piety, Sanctity, Saintliness, Godliness, Holiness, Religiosity. In the subjective aspect of these words religion is the most general, as it may be also the most formal or external; in this sense it is the place of the will and character of God in the heart, so that they are the principal object of regard and the controlling influence. Devotion and piety have most of fervor. Devotion is a religion that consecrates itself- being both a close attention to God with complete inward subjection and an equal attention to the duties of religion. Piety is religion under the aspect of filial feeling and conduct, the former being the primary idea. Sanctity is generally used objectively; subjectively it is the same as holiness- Saintliness i s more concrete than sanctity, more distinctly a quality of a person, likeness to a saint, ripeness for heaven. Godliness is higher than saintliness; it is likeness to God, or the endeavor to attain such likeness, fixed attention given immediately to God, especially obedience to his will and endeavor to copy his character. Holiness is the most absolute of these words; it is moral and religious wholeness, completeness, or something approaching so near to absolute freedom from sin as to make the word appropriate; it includes not only being free from sin, but refusing it and hating it for its own sake. Religiosity is not a very common nor a very euphonious word, but seems to meet a felt want by expressing a susceptibility to the sentiments of religion, awe, reverence, admiration for the teachings of religion, etc., without much disposition to obey its commands.