spiritually

Spiritually is an adverb derived from spiritual, describing something related to the spirit, soul, or non-material dimensions of life. It is used to characterize actions, experiences, or attitudes that pertain to inner life, transcendence, or values beyond the physical world. While often found in religious contexts, it can also apply to secular matters that invoke meaning, purpose, or moral reflection.

Etymology and usage notes: Spiritually traces to the Latin spiritus (breath or spirit) and entered English through Old French and Middle English adaptations of spiritual. In English, the adverb form allows modifiers such as “spiritually uplifting,” “spiritually significant,” or “spiritually oriented,” and can describe practices, experiences, or beliefs without specifying a particular religious framework.

Contexts and distinctions: In religious discourse, spiritually often points to experiences or practices connected to a belief in the transcendent or holy. In secular usage, it can convey a sense of moral, existential, or emotional depth—e.g., a spiritually meaningful connection to others or to nature. The term is sometimes contrasted with religious, which more narrowly references organized doctrine, rituals, and institutions. The phrase “spiritually but not religious” appears in discussions about personal belief and identity, highlighting a distinction between inner life and formal affiliation.

See also: spirituality, spiritual, religiosity, mysticism, meditation.