by PushtoLearn
Spirituality
Table of Contents
Spirituality Flashcards - Vocabulary Practice for TOEFL
These exercises focus on Spirituality Vocabulary
List of Spirituality Words for the TOEFL
|
Word |
Definition |
Example |
|
Agnostic |
A person who believes that the existence of a deity cannot be proven or disproven. |
The scientist identified as an agnostic, believing that the existence of God is unknowable. |
|
Animism |
The belief that natural objects and phenomena have spirits. |
Many indigenous cultures practice animism, attributing spiritual essence to nature. |
|
Atheist |
A person who does not believe in the existence of a deity. |
The debate included perspectives from an atheist and a religious scholar. |
|
To Be Inclined To |
To have a tendency or preference for something. |
Humans tend to be inclined to seek meaning in their existence. |
|
Contemplate |
To think deeply or carefully about something. |
Philosophers often contemplate the purpose of life. |
|
Deify |
To treat someone or something as a god. |
Some ancient societies would deify their rulers, elevating them to divine status. |
|
Ecclesiastical |
Relating to the Christian church or clergy. |
The historian focused on the ecclesiastical influence on medieval politics. |
|
Exalt |
To praise or elevate highly. |
Religious texts often exalt virtues like compassion and humility. |
|
Pious |
Devoutly religious or reverent. |
Her pious lifestyle was admired by members of her faith. |
|
Sacrifice |
The act of giving up something valuable for a greater purpose. |
In many religions, sacrifices are made to honor deities. |
Usage in TOEFL Exam Formats
Reading Section
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Words like agnostic, animism, and sacrifice frequently appear in passages discussing spiritual or cultural themes.
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Example Question: What does the author imply about animism in early civilizations?
Listening Section
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Terms such as exalt, ecclesiastical, and contemplate are often used in lectures on philosophy or religion.
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Example: “The ecclesiastical structures of medieval Europe reflect deep religious devotion.”
Writing Section
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Use sophisticated words like deify, agnostic, and pious to enrich your essays.
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Example Sentence: “While some individuals deify historical figures, others view them as flawed humans.”
Speaking Section
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Employ terms like to be inclined to, atheist, or sacrifice during speaking tasks to demonstrate advanced vocabulary.
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Example: “People tend to be inclined to follow traditions that bring comfort and stability.”
Common Mistakes
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Confusing "Agnostic" with "Atheist":
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Mistake: "An agnostic denies the existence of God."
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Correction: "An agnostic believes the existence of God cannot be proven or disproven."
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Misusing "Animism" to Mean All Spiritual Beliefs:
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Mistake: "All indigenous religions are based on animism."
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Correction: "Many indigenous religions include animism, attributing spirits to natural objects."
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Overusing "Deify" in Non-Religious Contexts:
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Mistake: "The artist was deified for their skills."
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Correction: "The artist was celebrated for their skills."
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Using "Ecclesiastical" for Non-Christian Contexts:
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Mistake: "The ecclesiastical ceremonies of ancient Egypt were fascinating."
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Correction: "The religious ceremonies of ancient Egypt were fascinating."
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Interchanging "Exalt" and "Exaggerate":
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Mistake: "He exalted the facts to make them more interesting."
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Correction: "He exaggerated the facts to make them more interesting."
FAQ
What does "agnostic" mean in philosophical discussions?
"Agnostic" refers to someone who believes that the existence of a deity cannot be proven or disproven.
How is "animism" significant in cultural studies?
"Animism" highlights the belief that natural objects, like trees and rivers, possess spirits, often central to indigenous traditions.
What’s the difference between "deify" and "exalt"?
"Deify" means to treat someone as a god, while "exalt" means to praise or elevate highly without divine connotations.
How can I use "sacrifice" in TOEFL essays?
Use "sacrifice" to discuss giving up something valuable for a greater purpose, e.g., “Sacrifices are often made to preserve cultural traditions.”
Why is "pious" a useful word for TOEFL responses?
"Pious" describes devout religious behavior, a term that frequently appears in passages about faith and societal roles.
