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Deity: meaning, definitions and examples

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deity

 

[ˈdiːɪti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

religious belief

A deity is a supernatural being considered divine or sacred. Deities are often worshiped and revered in various religions around the world. They are believed to have power and influence over human affairs.

Synonyms

divine being, god, supernatural entity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deity

Typically used in a formal or religious context to refer to a god or goddess from mythology or religion.

  • In Greek mythology, Zeus is a powerful deity who rules the sky.
  • Many ancient cultures worshipped multiple deities.
god

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to a supreme being worshipped in various religions.

  • In Christianity, God created the heavens and the earth.
  • Many cultures have gods of love, war, and nature.
divine being

Used to describe a god or angel-like entity, often in contexts emphasizing holiness or sacredness.

  • People believe that a divine being watches over us.
  • The temple is dedicated to honoring divine beings.
supernatural entity

Often used in literature, movies, or discussions about the paranormal to describe beings that exist beyond the natural world.

  • The movie featured a supernatural entity that haunted the old house.
  • Stories about supernatural entities are common in folklore.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient Greeks believed in multiple deities, each responsible for different aspects of life.
  • The Hindu deity Ganesha is often associated with wisdom and prosperity.
  • In some cultures, offerings are made to deities as a sign of respect and devotion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'deity' comes from the Latin word 'deus' meaning 'god', showcasing its roots in ancient languages.
  • In Old French, 'deieté' referred to 'divinity', indicating a historical progression in how people viewed these powerful beings.

Religion

  • Various cultures around the world have their own deities, each representing different aspects of life such as love, war, and nature.
  • In Hinduism, there is a multitude of deities, with each having unique powers and stories that intertwine with human experiences.

Mythology

  • Many ancient civilizations, like the Greeks and Egyptians, believed in pantheons, where multiple deities were worshipped, each embodying different elements of the world.
  • Deities often interacted with humans in myths, sometimes helping them or even causing challenges to test their strength and wisdom.

Pop Culture

  • Deities have found their way into modern films and books, often depicted as superheroes or agents of conflict, blending ancient ideas with current storytelling.
  • Video games like 'God of War' and 'Assassin's Creed' include deities from various mythologies, introducing them to new audiences.

Psychology

  • Belief in deities can provide individuals with a sense of comfort and explain the unexplainable, showing how spirituality forms a part of human psychology.
  • Studies suggest that belief in a higher power can influence moral behaviors and social structures within communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "deity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 divindade

🇮🇳 देवता

🇩🇪 Gottheit

🇮🇩 dewa

🇺🇦 божество

🇵🇱 bóstwo

🇯🇵 神

🇫🇷 divinité

🇪🇸 deidad

🇹🇷 tanrı

🇰🇷 신

🇸🇦 إله

🇨🇿 božstvo

🇸🇰 božstvo

🇨🇳 神

🇸🇮 božanstvo

🇮🇸 guðdómur

🇰🇿 құдай

🇬🇪 ღვთაება

🇦🇿 ilah

🇲🇽 deidad

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,404 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.