Words / A2

ri-LIJ-uh-n/rɪˈlɪdʒən/

Religion is a system of belief in a god or gods: a religion, follow a religion, talk about religion with respect. Faith is close; belief is wider. Religious is the adjective: a religious festival. Religion can be uncountable for the topic, countable for one system: two religions. Do not mix religion with region — region is an area of land.

Meaning

A system of belief in a god or gods, such as Islam or Christianity.

Examples

• “They talked about religion with respect.”
• “Islam and Christianity are two major religions.”
• “Religion is a private matter for many people.”

Good to know

a religion / follow a religion. Adjective: religious. Not region (an area).

Near in meaning

faith

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