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Monotheistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monotheistic

[ˌmɒnəθiˈɪstɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

religious belief

Monotheistic refers to the belief in a single, all-powerful deity. This term is often used to describe religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, which center their worship around one God.

Synonyms

one God, single deity, uni-theistic.

Examples of usage

  • Monotheistic religions emphasize the oneness of God.
  • Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic faiths.
  • The monotheistic nature of Islam is fundamental to its teachings.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Some of the earliest known monotheistic beliefs emerged in ancient Egypt with the pharaoh Akhenaten, who promoted the worship of Aten, the sun disc.
  • Judaism is often regarded as the first major monotheistic religion, with its foundations rooted in texts that date back over 3,000 years.

World Religions

  • Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are the three largest monotheistic religions today, with billions of followers worldwide.
  • Islam teaches that there is only one god (Allah) and emphasizes that this concept is central to their faith.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers throughout history, like Descartes and Spinoza, have debated the implications of a singular deity on morality and existence.
  • Theodicy, a branch of philosophy, explores why a single benevolent god allows evil to exist in the world.

Cultural Impact

  • Monotheism has influenced art, literature, and music, leading to countless works that explore the nature of a single god and humanity's relationship with this divine being.
  • Holidays and rituals tied to monotheistic beliefs, like Christmas and Ramadan, have become integral to cultural identities around the globe.

Origin of 'monotheistic'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'monos,' meaning 'one,' and 'theos,' meaning 'god.'
  • It was first used in the English language during the early 17th century, reflecting a growing emphasis on individual religious beliefs.

The term 'monotheistic' originates from the Greek words 'monos', meaning 'one' or 'single', and 'theos', meaning 'god'. It came into usage in the early 17th century, particularly in theological discussions contrasting the belief in one God versus polytheism, which recognizes multiple gods. Monotheism has roots in ancient religions, but it became more formally identified by the Abrahamic faiths that emerged in the Middle East. Understanding monotheism involves not only acknowledging the existence of one god but also the implications of worship, morality, and religious practices that arise from such beliefs. Throughout history, monotheistic beliefs have shaped societies, influenced legal systems, and engaged with various philosophical debates about the nature of divine attributes and existence.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,920, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.