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Polytheism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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polytheism

[ˈpɒlɪθiɪzəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

religious beliefs

Polytheism is the belief in or worship of more than one god.

Synonyms

belief in multiple gods, polytheistic belief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
polytheism

Often interchangeable with 'polytheism,' and used to describe the same concept, but with a focus on the belief system rather than the term itself.

  • Hinduism is a prominent example of a religion with polytheistic beliefs
polytheistic belief

Used to describe the quality or nature of a belief system that involves worshiping multiple gods. Often seen in discussions contrasting different types of religious beliefs.

  • The polytheistic beliefs of the ancient Egyptians included gods like Ra and Osiris
belief in multiple gods

A straightforward and more descriptive phrase that can be used in everyday conversation or writing to explain the concept in simple terms.

  • Many ancient cultures held a belief in multiple gods

Examples of usage

  • Many ancient civilizations practiced polytheism, such as the Greeks and Romans.
  • In polytheism, each god typically has a specific domain or area of influence.
  • Some modern religions, like Hinduism, are considered polytheistic due to the belief in multiple deities.
  • Polytheism can involve complex pantheons of gods and goddesses.
  • The concept of polytheism contrasts with monotheism, which believes in a single deity.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Ancient Egypt had a rich polytheistic tradition, worshiping numerous deities like Ra (the sun god) and Isis (goddess of magic).
  • Mesopotamian cultures, such as the Sumerians and Babylonians, also practiced polytheism, featuring gods like Enlil and Marduk.

Major Religions

  • Hinduism is one of the world's largest polytheistic religions, with millions of gods and goddesses like Vishnu and Shiva.
  • In ancient Greece and Rome, gods ruled over specific aspects of life, including love (Aphrodite/Venus) and war (Ares/Mars), emphasizing various divine roles.

Cultural Impact

  • Polytheism influenced art, literature, and architecture, with temples and sculptures dedicated to various gods throughout history.
  • Many festivals and rituals were created to honor and please the multitude of gods, often involving processions, sacrifices, and offerings.

Comparative Religion

  • Polytheism contrasts with monotheism, which is the belief in a single god, as seen in religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
  • Some polytheistic traditions have blended into monotheistic beliefs, leading to unique interpretations and practices, like the Hindu concept of Brahman representing one ultimate reality.

Origin of 'polytheism'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek roots 'poly', meaning 'many', and 'theos', meaning 'god'.
  • The concept has been used since ancient civilizations to explain natural events and life’s mysteries.

The concept of polytheism dates back to ancient civilizations, where multiple gods and goddesses were worshipped for various aspects of life. It was a common practice in societies like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Polytheistic beliefs often involved rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonies to appease different deities. Over time, monotheistic religions gained prominence, leading to the decline of polytheism in many parts of the world. However, some cultures and religions still uphold polytheistic traditions and beliefs.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,970, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.