The word "spiritualist" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈspɪr.ɪ.tʃʊ.əl.ɪst/. It is an individual who believes in the existence of spirits and the ability to communicate with them. The term has been used to refer to religious and philosophical beliefs, including Spiritism, Theosophy, and Spiritualism. The word derives from the Latin word "spiritus" meaning "spirit" or "breath" and the suffix "-alist" indicating a person who practices or advocates a particular activity or beliefs.
A spiritualist is an individual who believes in or advocates for the existence of a non-physical, divine realm or reality beyond the material world. They typically hold the view that there is a spiritual dimension or higher power that transcends the physical and can influence human existence. Spiritualists often engage in practices and rituals aimed at exploring, connecting with, or receiving guidance from this spiritual realm.
Spiritualists commonly believe in the existence of the soul or spirit, considering it as a distinct entity separate from the physical body, capable of continued existence after death. They may also believe in the ability of individuals to communicate with spirits or entities from the spiritual realm through various means like psychic abilities, mediumship, or by entering altered states of consciousness.
Additionally, spiritualists often value personal growth, self-realization, and the cultivation of inner peace, emphasizing the importance of spiritual development and an individual's connection to their higher self. They commonly engage in practices such as meditation, prayer, energy healing, or focusing on spiritual virtues like love, compassion, and gratitude.
It is important to note that spiritualists can have diverse beliefs and practices, as the term encompasses various spiritual traditions, philosophies, and individual beliefs. Therefore, the specific perspectives and practices within spiritualism can vary greatly from person to person.
One who professes a regard for spiritual things only, or a belief in them; one who believes in direct intercourse with departed spirits.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "spiritualist" originated from the combination of two separate terms: "spirit" and "-list".
The term "spirit" comes from the Latin word "spiritus", meaning "breath" or "spirit". It was initially used in ancient religious and philosophical contexts to refer to subtle life force or essence present in all living beings.
The suffix "-list" derives from the word "liste" in Old English, and it was used to denote a person engaged in a certain activity or adhering to a specific belief. Over time, it evolved to become "-ist" in modern English.
Thus, the word "spiritualist" emerged to denote a person who believes in, practices, or follows spiritual beliefs, often including communication with the spirits of the deceased or other supernatural phenomena.