1. Rennuruof

    Rennuruof Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2011
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Utah, USA

    I need help finding a word.

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Rennuruof, Oct 27, 2011.

    In one of the stories I am currently writing, two characters are having a conversation about "strengths" in the human race. I.E. Physical, Humility, Joy, Peace etc. One of my place fillers is Spiritual, but that doesn't really work for what I'm trying to bring across. I don't want it to be a religious reference of any kind. I want it to denote non-worldliness. But it needs to be immediately seen as being positive. I'm stumped, the best I could come up with is Ethereal, but I don't like that one.

    Mike
     
  2. Jhunter

    Jhunter Mmm, bacon. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,218
    Likes Received:
    45
    Location:
    Southern California
    http://thesaurus.com/
     
  3. Timothy Giant

    Timothy Giant New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2011
    Messages:
    91
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Enkhuizen, Netherlands
    Wisdom? Emotion(al strength)? Insight? Balance? Mental strength? Spirit (yay WoW!)? Or perhaps something wild as creativity? :p
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    'spirituality' doesn't necessarily relate to religion... and it does imply non-wordliness...

    case in point: i don't believe in any god/s or religion, yet i've been told by very religious folks that i nevertheless live a 'spiritual' life and am a 'spiritual' person...
     
  5. Marranda

    Marranda New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2011
    Messages:
    143
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    Oklahoma
    Psyche?
     
  6. digitig

    digitig Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2010
    Messages:
    2,490
    Likes Received:
    81
    Location:
    Orpington, Bromley, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
    Transcendence?
     
  7. Arathald

    Arathald New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2011
    Messages:
    313
    Likes Received:
    17
    Location:
    Seattle
    This. Have you ever heard someone described as having spirit or being soulful? Only someone purposely trying to read a religious message into that will see one. The word "spiritual" can be slightly more religious, but that depends entirely on usage. Does your book have religious undertones? Then whatever word you use will look religious. If not, then your readers are smart enough to figure out what you mean by it -- I bet your story is already chock full of words that, in isolation, could be wildly misinterpreted.
     
  8. Rennuruof

    Rennuruof Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2011
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Utah, USA
    Thank you all for your replies and insight. Arathald, I guess my book could easily be interpreted as having religious undertones. Perhaps spiritual is the right word there after all.

    Mike
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice