| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. |
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| religion |
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| SYLLABICATION: | re·li·gion |
| PRONUNCIATION: |  r -lj  n |
| NOUN: | 1a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship. 2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order. 3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. 4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion. | | IDIOM: | get religion Informal 1. To become religious or devout. 2. To resolve to end one's immoral behavior. | | ETYMOLOGY: | Middle English religioun, from Old French religion, from Latin religi , religin-, perhaps from relig re, to tie fast. See rely.
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| The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. |
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