dévotionnel
The English phrase devotional translates to French as dévotionnel.
The adjective dévotionnel is used to describe things that pertain to devotion or worship. Related concepts include La dévotion, which refers to acts of devotion or dedication and Le culte, which refers to worship or a religious service used within a religious community.
Meaning: of or pertaining to devotion or worship (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, dévotionnel is sometimes used to convey the meaning of 'devotional'.
Did you know?
- In French history, the term dévotion was specifically associated with the 'Compagnie du Saint-Sacrement', a secretive society of laymen in the 17th century who aimed to reform morals.
- The phrase être dévoué comes from the same root as dévotionnel but is used daily to mean 'loyal' or 'hard-working'. A 'dévoué' employee is someone who is dedicated to their job, not necessarily religious.
- In a formal French context, using dévotionnel to describe a person's qualities can sometimes carry a subtle, unintended connotation of being overly pious or even blindly submissive.
Examples in context
- La musique religieuse est un moyen de rendre un hommage fervent à Dieu.Religious music is a way to pay fervent homage to God.
- Ils utilisent des chants dévotionnels pendant la cérémonie.They use devotional chants during the ceremony.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are visiting a museum of religious art.
- ManonRegarde ce petit livre dévotionnel, Nathan.Look at this little devotional book, Nathan.
- NathanIl a l'air très précieux.It looks very precious.
- ManonOui, c'est un texte dévotionnel du Moyen Âge.Yes, it is a devotional text from the Middle Ages.
- NathanC'est vraiment fascinant.It is truly fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devotional” translations and entries dévotionnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
