Votive
/ˈvoʊ.tɪv/noun
Relating to a vow or promise, especially one made to a deity, or offered in fulfillment of such a vow.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin votum, meaning a solemn vow or wish, and it survives in phrases like votive candles and votive offerings—objects literally tied to promises made to the divine.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷeh₃-
“to speak, say”
Latin
Latin
vōtum
“a vow, promise, or solemn wish”
Latin
Latin
vōtīvus
“pertaining to a vow; offered in fulfillment of a vow”
Middle English
English
votif
“votive, pertaining to vows or offerings”
Modern English
English
votive
“relating to a vow or religious offering”