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religiosa

reh-lee-hee-OH-sah/re.liˈxjo.sa/

“religiosa” means “religious” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

religious

Also: devout, strict
A person with hands clasped together in a peaceful, prayerful pose.

📝 In Action

Ella es una persona muy religiosa y va a misa todos los domingos.

A2

She is a very religious person and goes to Mass every Sunday.

Esta es una tradición religiosa muy antigua.

B1

This is a very old religious tradition.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • devota (devout)
  • creyente (believer)

Antonyms

  • atea (atheist)
  • laica (secular/non-religious)

Common Collocations

  • creencia religiosa – religious belief
  • libertad religiosa – religious freedom

nun

Also: sister
NounfB1
A woman wearing a traditional black and white habit.

📝 In Action

La religiosa dedicó su vida a ayudar a los pobres.

B1

The nun dedicated her life to helping the poor.

Varias religiosas viven en el convento de la ciudad.

B2

Several nuns live in the city's convent.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • vida religiosa – religious life (monastic life)
  • orden religiosa – religious order

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "religiosa" in Spanish:

nun→sister→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: religiosa

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'religiosa' to mean a 'nun'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
religión(religion) — Noun
religioso(religious (masculine)) — Adjective
religiosidad(religiousness) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'religiosus', which comes from 'religio' (obligation or bond). It originally described someone bound by spiritual vows.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: religiousFrench: religieuseItalian: religiosa

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'monja' and 'religiosa'?

They both mean 'nun'. 'Monja' is the common, everyday word, while 'religiosa' is a bit more formal and is often used by the Church or in official documents.

Is 'religiosa' always about church?

Mostly, yes. However, it can figuratively mean doing something with extreme consistency and care, similar to the English phrase 'he checks his email religiously'.