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Deities Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deities

[หˆdiหษชtiz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious beliefs

Deities are gods or goddesses in a polytheistic religion. They are usually worshipped by followers who believe in their power and influence.

Synonyms

divine beings, goddesses, gods.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deities

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.
gods

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.
goddesses

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.
divine beings

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.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient Greeks believed in a pantheon of deities, each with their own domains and responsibilities.
  • Hinduism recognizes a multitude of deities, each representing different aspects of the divine.
Context #2 | Noun

general use

Deities can also refer to revered or admired individuals who are considered godlike or exceptionally talented.

Synonyms

icons, idols, legends.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deities

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.
idols

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.
icons

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.
legends

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.

Examples of usage

  • In the world of sports, Michael Jordan is often seen as a deity for his incredible basketball skills.
  • Some fans consider their favorite celebrities to be deities for their talent and charisma.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

World Religions

  • In Hinduism, there are multiple deities representing different aspects of life, such as Lakshmi for wealth and Saraswati for knowledge.
  • Ancient Egyptians personified their deities in animal forms, like Anubis with a jackal head, showing their connection to the natural world.
  • In Greek mythology, deities were often depicted with human qualities, demonstrating a blend of divine and mortal characteristics.

Cultural Depictions

  • Art throughout history has depicted deities, influencing everything from sculpture to painting, reflecting societal values.
  • In modern media, deities are portrayed in movies and literature, often reimagined as superheroes representing their powers.
  • Festivals often celebrate deities, such as Diwali in Hinduism, which honors the goddess Lakshmi and brings families together.

Psychological Impact

  • Belief in deities can provide individuals with comfort, hope, and a sense of purpose during difficult times.
  • The presence of deities in religions often serves as moral guides, helping communities establish norms and ethical behavior.
  • Studies suggest that spiritual beliefs can influence mental health positively, giving followers a community and support framework.

Comparative Mythology

  • Many cultures around the world have creation myths featuring deities who shape the universe, showing shared human curiosity about beginnings.
  • In contrast to monotheistic religions, polytheistic traditions offer a range of deities that represent various aspects of life and nature.
  • Deities often evolve over time in mythology, reflecting changes in culture and societal priorities.

Origin of 'deities'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'deity' comes from the Latin term 'deus' meaning 'god.'
  • In Old French, 'deitรฉ' was used before becoming part of English.
  • The concept of deities often connected to ancient cultures and their views of the world.

The word 'deities' originates from the Latin word 'deitas' meaning 'divine nature' or 'divinity'. In various ancient cultures, deities were worshipped as powerful beings with control over natural elements and human affairs. The concept of deities has evolved over time to encompass both religious and secular meanings, symbolizing reverence and admiration for exceptional beings or talents.

See also: deity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,318, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.