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Divines Meaning: Definition and Examples

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divines

[dɪˈvaɪnz ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Religion

  • Many religions attribute divinity to gods, demigods, or spiritual beings who have great power.
  • In Christianity, the concept of divinity is central to understanding the Trinity – God as three persons in one.
  • In ancient Egyptian beliefs, pharaohs were considered divine figures, bridging the gap between the gods and the people.

Literature

  • Shakespeare often explored divine themes, often questioning the nature of god and mankind's relationship to the divine.
  • In Dante's 'Divine Comedy,' the narrative structure guides readers through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, making the divine journey tangible.
  • In various mythologies, heroes undergo trials or quests that connect them with divine forces, revealing deeper truths about life.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have long debated what it means to be divine, with some considering moral goodness as a key aspect.
  • Theologians often explore divine attributes, such as omniscience (all-knowing) and omnipotence (all-powerful), shaping spiritual discussions.
  • Plato introduced the idea of the 'Forms,' suggesting that true knowledge exists in a divine realm beyond our physical world.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, divinity is frequently portrayed in movies and books, with characters exhibiting superhuman abilities.
  • Divine figures in pop culture often embody ideals of heroism, justice, or sacrifice, reflecting societal values.
  • Video games regularly include divine characters or powers, allowing players to engage with themes of morality and fate.

Origin of 'divines'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'divinus,' meaning 'of a god' or 'godlike.'
  • In Old French, it took the form 'divin,' which referred to sacred things or qualities.
  • The use of 'divine' in English dates back to the 14th century, indicating a long history in religious and poetic contexts.

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.