numinous

/ˈnumənəs/

Something numinous has a strong religious quality, suggesting the presence of a divine power. When you enter a temple, church, or mosque, you might feel as though you've entered a numinous space.

Numinous comes from the Latin numin- meaning "divine power." This word also comes from numen, a word used to describe the spirit or divine power characteristic of a thing or place. However, you don't have to be in a strictly religious environment to experience something numinous; you might see the beauty of a painting or the melody of a song as numinous — if they communicate a spiritual vibe.

Definitions of numinous

1. adjective

   of or relating to or characteristic of a numen
2. adjective

   evincing the presence of a deity
   “a numinous wood”

   “the most numinous moment in the Mass”

   synonyms:

   sacred

   concerned with religion or religious purposes