uslikkus

Uslikkus is a term used in Estonian to describe the quality or state of being religiously devout, i.e., religiosity. It refers to the extent to which a person or group adheres to religious beliefs, participates in religious practices, and regards religion as important in daily life. In sociological and theological contexts, uslikkus is used as a dimension of religiosity and is often assessed through indicators such as attendance at religious services, frequency of prayer, adherence to religious morals, and identification with a religious community.

Etymology: The word is formed from the Estonian root usk (faith) with the suffix -likkus, producing an abstract noun that expresses a quality or state. It is related to the term usklik (devout person) and to broader discussions of religiosity.

Usage and nuances: In Estonian discourse, uslikkus can describe the overall level of religiosity in a population or an individual’s personal devoutness. The term is more common in academic writing than in everyday conversation, where speakers may use phrases like usklik elu or pühendumus to convey related ideas.

Distinctions: Uslikkus is not the same as trust or credibility terms such as usaldus or usaldatavus, which have different meanings. The concept is often explored alongside other socio-religious variables in studies of religion, identity, and culture.

See also

- Religiosity

- Piety

- Devoutness

- Estonia