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Divinities: meaning, definitions and examples

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divinities

 

[dɪˈvɪnɪtiz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious beliefs

Divinities refer to gods or goddesses in a polytheistic religion.

Synonyms

deities, goddesses, gods.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divinities

Often used in a more generic, formal sense similar to 'deities' but can also be used to refer to someone's divine qualities.

  • The painting captures the serene divinities of the ancient world.
  • Throughout history, people have sought to understand the divinities that govern the universe.
deities

Commonly used when referring to gods from polytheistic religions. It can refer to both male and female gods and is often used in scholarly or religious contexts.

  • In Hinduism, there are many deities each with their own distinct characteristics and stories.
  • The ancient Greeks worshipped a multitude of deities, each governing different aspects of life.
gods

Refers specifically to male deities or can sometimes be used as a general term for all divine beings in monotheistic contexts. It is widely used in both casual and formal discussions about religion or mythology.

  • Zeus is one of the most prominent gods in Greek mythology.
  • In Norse mythology, the gods often interacted with humans.
goddesses

Specifically refers to female deities. This word is used when highlighting or focusing on the feminine aspect of divinity.

  • Athena and Aphrodite are two well-known goddesses in Greek mythology.
  • The goddess of the forest was revered by the local tribes.

Examples of usage

  • The divinities of ancient Greece included Zeus, Hera, and Athena.
  • In Hinduism, divinities such as Shiva and Vishnu are worshipped.
Context #2 | Noun

the divine

Divinities can also refer to the quality of being divine or godlike.

Synonyms

godliness, holiness, sacredness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divinities

Used to describe beings regarded as gods or goddesses in various religions and mythologies. Generally used in a plural form to indicate multiple deities.

  • The ancient Greeks worshipped many divinities, including Zeus and Athena.
  • The temple was dedicated to numerous divinities from different cultures.
godliness

Describes a state of being devoutly religious or piously devoted to a deity. Often used to highlight moral purity or virtue.

  • His acts of charity and kindness were seen as a sign of his godliness.
  • Living a life of godliness means following moral principles and spiritual devotion.
holiness

Refers to the quality or state of being holy, sacred, or set apart for religious purposes. Often used to describe something or someone revered in a religious context.

  • The holiness of the place was palpable during the pilgrimage.
  • His holiness was recognized by people from various faiths.
sacredness

Used to describe the quality of being holy or inviolable, often referring to objects, places, or practices that are venerated and protected in a religious context.

  • The sacredness of the ritual was evident in the participants' reverence.
  • Many cultures place a strong emphasis on the sacredness of their traditions.

Examples of usage

  • The divinities of nature can be seen in the beauty of a sunset.
  • Many cultures believe in the divinities that govern the universe.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'divinity' comes from the Latin 'divinitas', meaning the quality of being divine or god-like.
  • In Old French, 'divinite' was used to describe both the divine and its nature before evolving into the English term.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have a pantheon of divinities, with ancient Greeks worshipping gods like Zeus and Athena for various aspects of life.
  • Hinduism features more than 330 million gods and goddesses, making it one of the most diverse religious traditions in terms of divine entities.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Aristotle viewed divinities as the ultimate cause of the universe, linking their nature to concepts of perfection and immutability.
  • In many philosophical systems, the existence of divinities raises questions about morality and the nature of good and evil.

Psychology

  • Studies show that belief in divinities can provide a sense of purpose and belonging, positively impacting mental well-being.
  • The concept of divinities influences human understanding of life events, often seen as either blessings or punishments.

Literature

  • In many epics, like 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey', human characters frequently interact with divinities, highlighting their influence on mortal affairs.
  • Divinities in literature often embody certain traits or themes, such as love, war, or wisdom, shaping the story's direction.

Translations

Translations of the word "divinities" in other languages:

🇵🇹 divindades

🇮🇳 देवता

🇩🇪 Gottheiten

🇮🇩 dewa-dewi

🇺🇦 божества

🇵🇱 bóstwa

🇯🇵 神々 (かみがみ)

🇫🇷 divinités

🇪🇸 divinidades

🇹🇷 tanrılar

🇰🇷 신들

🇸🇦 آلهة

🇨🇿 božstva

🇸🇰 božstvá

🇨🇳 神明 (shénmíng)

🇸🇮 božanstva

🇮🇸 guðir

🇰🇿 құдайлар

🇬🇪 ღმერთები

🇦🇿 tanrılar

🇲🇽 divinidades

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,272, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.