Unit 10. Spirituality

Word

Definition

Example

agnostic

being unsure of whether there is a god

An agnostic is someone who does not know if God exists.

animism

the belief that natural objects have souls

Our growing intimacy with machines is rooted in the ancient practice of animism

atheist

one who does not believe in the existence of god

She's an atheist, so she doesn't believe in God.

to be inclined to

to favor an opinion or a course of action

Tom is inclined to be lazy.

contemplate

to consider thoughtfully

He contemplated resigning.

deify

to worship as a god

The Romans used to deify their emperors.

ecclesiastical

relating to a church

It seems that Bush is simply taking a stab at landscapes and ecclesiastical architecture.

exalt

to praise or honor

The media exalted him to the skies.

pious

having or exhibiting religious reverence

She is a pious follower of the faith, never missing her prayers.

sacrifice

to give up something in order to have something more valuable later on

I loved the bit at the end where the heroine sacrifices herself.