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Divines: meaning, definitions and examples

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divines

 

[ dɪˈvaɪnz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

religious context

Divines are individuals who are recognized for their extraordinary knowledge or expertise in theology or religion. They often hold positions such as clergy or scholars in religious institutions.

Synonyms

clergymen, religious scholars, theologians

Examples of usage

  • Many divines interpret ancient scriptures.
  • The conference gathered various divines from different faiths.
  • She studied under prominent divines during her theological education.
Context #2 | Verb

predicting or guessing

To divine means to discover or declare something through intuition or supernatural insight. It often refers to the practice of foretelling the future or seeking hidden knowledge, traditionally using methods like divination.

Synonyms

channel, foresee, predict

Examples of usage

  • He claimed to divine the outcome of the event.
  • They used a pendulum to divine answers.
  • She could divine feelings that others kept hidden.

Word origin

The word 'divine' originates from the Latin term 'divinus', which means 'of God, divine, or godlike'. This Latin term can be traced back to the root word 'deus', meaning 'God'. Over time, 'divine' found its way into Middle English as 'divin', used primarily to describe things related to the worship of deities. The evolution of this word reflects the deep connection between language, culture, and spirituality. As societies developed, the term came to represent not just the divine nature of deities but also capturing exceptional qualities in individuals who possess wisdom or insight into spiritual matters. With the rise of various religious teachings and institutions, the formulation of 'divines' emerged to categorize religious scholars or clergy, emphasizing their expertise in spiritual realms.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,878, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.