religiosa

Religiosa is the feminine form of the Spanish adjective religioso, meaning "religious" or "devout." It can function as both an adjective and a noun, and it appears in Spanish-speaking contexts to describe persons or things connected with religion or religious life.

Originates from Latin religiosus, from religio meaning "religion" or "reverence." Over time it acquired forms in Romance languages, including Spanish, to mark gender and number.

As a noun, una religiosa typically refers to a woman who has taken religious vows or belongs to a religious order, i.e., a nun or religious sister. In some contexts it can also denote a devout woman more generally, not necessarily a cloistered member.

Usage varies by country. In many Spanish-speaking communities, monja is the common everyday term for a nun, while religiosa may emphasize membership in a religious institute or vows. In other cases, religiosa serves as a neutral descriptor for a devout person regardless of formal status.

For literature, film, and religious discourse, "religiosa" appears in titles and expressions about religious life, such as phrases describing a woman devoted to faith or a member of a religious community.

See also: religious life, religious order, monasticism.