spiritual etymology

Etymology

The word "spiritual" derives from the Latin word "spiritus," meaning "breath" or "spirit."

Meaning and Origin

In its original Latin sense, "spiritus" referred to the animating force or vital principle that was believed to reside within all living creatures. This concept was closely associated with religious beliefs, as the breath or spirit was often seen as a divine or supernatural element that connected individuals to the gods or the afterlife.

Over time, the meaning of "spiritual" has evolved to encompass a broader range of experiences and beliefs that relate to the transcendent or non-physical aspects of human existence. It has come to refer to:

• Inner experiences: Thoughts, emotions, and intuitions that transcend the physical senses or rational thought.
• A connection to a higher power: A sense of being connected to a divine entity, the cosmos, or a universal consciousness.
• Values and beliefs: Principles and ideals that guide conduct and provide meaning to life.
• Practices: Activities such as meditation, prayer, or yoga that are believed to promote spiritual growth and awareness.

In many cultures and traditions, spiritual beliefs and practices are closely intertwined with religion. However, spirituality can also exist outside of organized religion and encompass a wide range of personal experiences and interpretations.

Examples of Spiritual Meaning

• A sense of awe and wonder at the natural world.
• A feeling of peace and gratitude for life's blessings.
• A desire for deeper meaning and purpose.
• A belief in a connection to something greater than oneself.
• An experience of transcendence or communion with the divine.

spiritual relate terms

• spirit

  Etymology The word spirit is derived from the Latin word spiritus which means breat

• conspire

  Etymology The word conspire comes from the Latin word conspirare which means to br

• expire

  Etymology From Latin expirāre to breathe out die frequentative of exspīrāre to

• inspire

  Etymology From Middle English insipyre from Anglo Norman French inspirer from Latin i

• ghost

  Etymology Old English gāst ultimately derived from Proto Germanic gaistaz Cognate wi

• spiritualism

  Etymology Spiritualism comes from the Latin words spiritus meaning breath or spiri

• soul

  Etymology The word soul traces its origins to the Proto Indo European root h₂enh₂

• spiritualism

  Etymology Spiritualism comes from the Latin words spiritus meaning breath or spiri

• materialism

  Etymology Material From Latin materia meaning matter ism Suffix denoting a beli

• spiritual

  Etymology The word spiritual derives from the Latin word spiritus meaning breath o

• spiritualist

  Etymology of Spiritualist The term spiritualist derives from the Latin word spiritus

• spiritualist

  Etymology of Spiritualist The term spiritualist derives from the Latin word spiritus

• spirituality

  Etymology The word spirituality originates from the Latin spiritus meaning breath

• religious

  Etymology The word religion is derived from the Latin word religio which means scru

• immaterial

  Etymology The word immaterial is derived from the Latin phrase in materialis meanin

• spirituous

  Etymology From Latin spiritus meaning breath spirit life Meaning and Origin T

• blessing

  Etymology Old English blēdsian from Proto Germanic blōdisōn Cognate with Old High G

• pastor

  Etymology Latin pastor meaning shepherd or herdsman Old English pastor mean

• sorry

  Etymology From Middle English sori from Old English sārig meaning sorrowful sa

• just

  Etymology Origin Old French conscience from Latin conscientia from com with sci

• brain

  Etymology The word brain is derived from the Old English word brægen which is cogna