Deities: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for referring to gods and goddesses in any religion or mythology.

• Different cultures have their own deities that they worship.
• The pantheon of Greek mythology includes many deities.

Specific reference to male deities, though sometimes used generically to refer to both male and female deities.

• Zeus is one of the principal gods in Greek mythology.
• In ancient times, people believed that gods controlled the elements.

Specific reference to female deities, often used in the context of mythology, religion, or even modern neopagan traditions.

• Aphrodite and Athena are well-known Greek goddesses.
• Many cultures worship goddesses of fertility and love.

Usually used in a more spiritual or broad sense, referring to godlike figures without specifying gender or particular mythology.

• In many spiritual traditions, divine beings guide and protect us.
• The concept of divine beings transcends specific religions.

Use when referring to gods or goddesses from any religion or mythology. Common in religious or mythological discussions.

• The ancient Greeks worshipped many deities, including Zeus and Athena.
• Hinduism has a rich pantheon of deities, such as Vishnu and Shiva.

Typically used in religious contexts to describe physical objects representing a deity, often with a negative connotation suggesting false worship. Also used in pop culture for influential figures.

• The Bible warns against the worship of idols.
• Many teenagers idolize pop stars like BTS.

Often used to describe symbols or representations of sacred figures in religious contexts, but also can refer to famous people or symbols in popular culture.

• The Virgin Mary is a revered icon in Christianity.
• Michael Jackson is an icon in the music industry.

Use for stories or myths passed down through generations, often involving heroic figures or historical events. In modern use, it can also refer to individuals who have achieved legendary status in their field.

• King Arthur is a central figure in many British legends.
• Muhammad Ali is a legend in the world of boxing.