Divinity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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divinity

[dษชหˆvษชnษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

study of gods

The study or science of divine beings; theology. The quality or character of being divine. A divine being; a god or goddess.

Synonyms

deity, god, goddess, theology.

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Word Description / Examples
divinity

Typically used in a general or abstract context when talking about the state of being divine or the study of divine things.

  • The divinity of the ancient temple could be felt by everyone who entered.
  • He pursued a degree in divinity to better understand different religions.
theology

Refers to the academic study and analysis of religious beliefs, practices, and the nature of the divine.

  • She specialized in Christian theology during her postgraduate studies.
  • Theology courses often involve studying sacred texts and religious doctrines.
deity

Commonly used in mythology or religion to refer to a god or goddess. Can apply to gods from various mythologies and religions.

  • Zeus is a major deity in Greek mythology.
  • Different cultures have their own deities, each with unique attributes.
god

Used to refer to a male supreme being in monotheistic religions or to a male deity in polytheistic traditions. It can also refer to a powerful entity revered in various spiritual practices.

  • In Christianity, God is believed to have created the universe.
  • Thor is known as the god of thunder in Norse mythology.
goddess

Used to refer to a female deity in mythology or religion. Often used in the context of ancient religions or pagan beliefs.

  • Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
  • Isis was worshipped as a powerful goddess in ancient Egypt.

Examples of usage

  • She was a professor of divinity at the university.
  • The divinity of ancient cultures is still a subject of fascination today.
Context #2 | Noun

holiness

The state or quality of being divine. The nature or essence of God; godhead. Holiness of character or nature, godliness.

Synonyms

godliness, holiness, sacredness.

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Word Description / Examples
divinity

Typically used to refer to the state of being divine or god-like. Often used in academic or religious contexts to describe the nature of gods or religious studies.

  • The divinity of the gods in Greek mythology is a central theme.
  • She studied divinity at the theological seminary.
holiness

Refers to the state of being holy, often associated with purity, sanctity, or being set apart for religious reasons. Commonly used in religious contexts to describe sacred people, objects, or places.

  • The holiness of the temple is respected by all who visit.
  • He is striving for holiness in his daily life.
godliness

Typically refers to the quality of being devoutly religious or pious. Often used in moral or spiritual contexts to praise someone's moral integrity or devotion.

  • Her godliness is evident in her actions and kind nature.
  • The preacher spoke about the importance of godliness in everyday life.
sacredness

Used to describe the quality of being sacred, which means deserving veneration and respect, often due to a connection with a deity or religious significance. Commonly used to describe rituals, objects, or places of worship.

  • The sacredness of the ceremony left a lasting impression on the participants.
  • She felt the sacredness of the ancient artifacts in the museum.

Examples of usage

  • The divinity of the sacred place was palpable.
  • She radiated a sense of divinity in her actions.
Context #3 | Noun

dessert

A creamy frozen dessert made of milk, sugar, and flavoring, typically in a mold.

Synonyms

delicacy, frozen dessert, sweet treat.

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Word Description / Examples
divinity

In a culinary context, divinity refers to a type of sweet, fluffy candy, typically made with egg whites, sugar, and flavoring, often associated with holidays or special occasions.

  • Her grandmother's divinity recipe was famous in the family.
  • We made homemade divinity for the holiday party.
frozen dessert

A general term for sweet treats that are served frozen, like ice cream, gelato, or sorbet, commonly enjoyed as a refreshing treat during hot weather.

  • After a long walk in the sun, they all craved a frozen dessert.
  • The cafรฉ offers a wide range of frozen desserts, from ice creams to sorbets.
sweet treat

A broad term for any small, sweet food item, which can be anything from candies and chocolates to pastries. Often used to describe a small indulgence or special treat.

  • She packed a sweet treat in her child's lunchbox as a surprise.
  • After dinner, they enjoyed a sweet treat of chocolate and strawberries.
delicacy

Refers to a high-quality or luxurious food item, often culturally specific and typically considered rare or expensive. It can also denote something delicate or exquisite.

  • Caviar is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.
  • The fabric of her dress was as a delicacy, soft and intricate.

Examples of usage

  • She served a delicious divinity after dinner.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Religion

  • Many religions categorize divinities into different types, such as monotheism (belief in one god) and polytheism (belief in many gods).
  • In Hinduism, divinity can manifest in various forms, known as avatars, like Krishna and Rama.
  • Divinities often represent moral ideals and serve as role models for followers, guiding them in their spiritual journeys.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the nature of divinity, questioning if it is an inherent quality or constructed by human cultures.
  • The concept of the divine often intersects with discussions on ethics and morality, as many divine beings embody moral virtues.
  • Platonic ideals suggest a perfect form of divinity exists beyond the physical world, influencing thoughts about gods and god-like attributes.

Literature

  • Divinity often appears in literature, symbolizing higher ideals and the quest for meaning, seen in works from ancient texts to modern novels.
  • Authors often use divine characters to explore the themes of fate, free will, and human flaws in relation to the divine.

Art

  • Throughout history, divinity has inspired countless artworks, from classical sculptures of gods to religious paintings depicting divine scenes.
  • Renaissance artists like Michelangelo depicted divinity through human forms, bringing a blend of beauty and spirituality to their works.

Origin of 'divinity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'divinitas,' which means 'the state of being divine.'
  • In Ancient Roman religion, divinities were linked to natural elements and feelings, showing their influence across many aspects of life.
  • English adopted 'divinity' during the 14th century when the church debates about god and spirituality were prevalent.

The word 'divinity' originated in the late Middle English period, from Old French divinite, from Latin divinitas, from divinus 'divine'. The concept of divinity has been a central theme in various religions and philosophies throughout history, symbolizing the divine or supernatural power beyond human understanding.


See also: divination, divinely, diviner, divining, divinization.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,826 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.