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Goddesses Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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goddesses

[หˆษกษ‘หdษชsษชz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mythology

Female deities, often depicted as beautiful and powerful beings with supernatural abilities, worshipped in various religions and mythologies.

Synonyms

deities, divine females, female spirits.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
goddesses

Used mainly in mythology, religion, and literature to refer to female deities with powerful and supernatural attributes.

  • The ancient Greeks worshipped goddesses like Athena and Hera.
  • The goddess of love, Aphrodite, played a major role in myths.
deities

Refers to gods and goddesses together, often used in a more general sense or when discussing multiple cultures' figures of worship.

  • Hinduism has many deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga.
  • The ancient Egyptians believed in deities such as Ra and Isis.
divine females

A more modern and broad term used to describe female figures of worship or spiritual significance, sometimes outside traditional mythology or religion.

  • The novel features divine females who guide the protagonist on their journey.
  • Some cultures have divine females as symbols of fertility and wisdom.
female spirits

Often used in folklore and tales to describe supernatural beings that might not have the status of gods but still possess significant powers or influence.

  • In Slavic mythology, female spirits like the Rusalka inhabit rivers and lakes.
  • Female spirits in the story provided guidance and protection to the hero.

Examples of usage

  • The Greek goddesses Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera were believed to have control over love, wisdom, and marriage respectively.
  • In Hindu mythology, the goddess Lakshmi is associated with wealth and prosperity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • In ancient times, many cultures worshipped goddesses as symbols of fertility and nature, believing they controlled elements like harvests and seasons.
  • The idea of goddesses can be traced back to prehistoric times, where female figures often represented nurturing and motherhood.
  • Civilizations like the ancient Egyptians had a rich pantheon of goddesses, including Isis, who was revered as the mother of all and protector of the throne.

Literature

  • Goddesses often play pivotal roles in myths and legends, such as Athena in Greek mythology, representing wisdom and warfare.
  • In Hindu epics, goddesses like Durga and Kali are depicted as fierce warriors, embodying strength and protection against evil.
  • The goddess Artemis from Greek mythology is known as the protector of the wilderness and animals, highlighting the connection between femininity and nature.

Pop Culture

  • Modern films often feature powerful female characters inspired by goddesses, such as Wonder Woman, who embodies strength and empowerment.
  • TV shows like 'American Gods' explore the concept of deities in contemporary settings, bringing attention to both goddesses and gods of different cultures.
  • In video games like 'Assassinโ€™s Creed: Odyssey,' players encounter various legendary goddesses, showcasing their influence on modern storytelling.

Psychology

  • The concept of goddesses allows individuals to explore aspects of femininity, strength, and empowerment in a symbolic way, providing role models.
  • Psychologists suggest that archetypes of goddesses can influence a person's identity and self-perception, connecting them to deeper cultural values.
  • Goddesses are sometimes used in therapeutic settings to inspire confidence and courage, helping individuals reclaim their power and identity.

Art

  • Art throughout history often depicts goddesses in various forms, from intricate sculptures in ancient temples to vibrant paintings in Renaissance galleries.
  • The goddess Venus has been a popular subject in art, representing love and beauty, inspiring countless masterpieces across different eras.
  • Contemporary artists continue to reinterpret goddess imagery, exploring themes of feminism, identity, and empowerment through new media.

Origin of 'goddesses'

The word 'goddesses' originates from the Old English word 'god' meaning 'supreme being' or 'deity' and the suffix '-ess' which is used to form feminine nouns. The concept of goddesses has been present in various mythologies and religions throughout history, with different cultures worshipping female deities for their roles in creation, nature, and other aspects of life.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,597, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.