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What is the Meaning of “Spiritual”?

Spiritual
/ˈspɪr.ɪ.tʃu.əl/

Related to inner feelings, beliefs, and connection to something beyond the physical world. Often about personal faith, not necessarily organized religion.

Definition of Spiritual

Quick Meaning of Spiritual

Related to inner feelings, beliefs, and connection to something beyond the physical world. Often about personal faith, not necessarily organized religion.

Detailed Definition of Spiritual

relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul rather than the body or material things

How to Pronounce Spiritual

IPA: /ˈspɪr.ɪ.tʃu.əl/
spir it u al

Stress pattern: Oooo (4-syllable word).

Tip: First syllable stressed: SPIR-i-choo-al. Pronounce 'ch' sound.

Watch out: spir-i-TU-al (stressing third syllable instead of first)

Full pronunciation guide for “spiritual” →

Origin and Etymology of Spiritual

From Latin 'spiritualis' (of the spirit). Root 'spiritus' means breath or spirit.

How to Use Spiritual in a Sentence

Each example shows “spiritual” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “This is a spiritual example.”
    A2 daily
  • “Yoga and meditation are spiritual practices for many people.”
    B1 daily
  • “The spiritual leader helped guide the community through difficult times.”
    B1 formal
  • “Her spiritual journey led her to seek meaning beyond material.”
    B2 written

Synonyms and Antonyms of Spiritual

Common Synonyms for Spiritual

Smart Synonyms for Spiritual — When to Use Each

religious
Organized faith traditions and practices
sacred
Something holy or deeply meaningful

Antonyms of Spiritual

See all synonyms for “spiritual” →

Common Collocations with Spiritual

These phrases pair with “spiritual” in everyday English:

  • spiritual practice
  • spiritual growth
  • spiritual experience
  • spiritual leader
  • spiritual journey

Common Mistakes When Using Spiritual

Even fluent speakers slip up with “spiritual”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong:
✓ Correct: Spiritual is personal; religious is organized faith tradition.
✗ Wrong:
✓ Correct: She is very religious and goes to church every week

Words Confused With Spiritual

  • Spiritual vs Religious: Religious=organized faith; spiritual=personal inner experience
  • Spiritual vs Supernatural: Supernatural=beyond natural laws; spiritual=inner soul

Other Forms of Spiritual

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiritual

What is the meaning of "Spiritual"?

Related to inner feelings, beliefs, and connection to something beyond the physical world. Often about personal faith, not necessarily organized religion.

How do you pronounce "Spiritual"?

The IPA is /ˈspɪr.ɪ.tʃu.əl/. First syllable stressed: SPIR-i-choo-al. Pronounce 'ch' sound.

What part of speech is "Spiritual"?

"Spiritual" is an adjective at B2 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Spiritual"?

Common synonyms include sacred, divine, transcendent.

How do you use "Spiritual" in a sentence?

For example: "This is a spiritual example."

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