Polytheism: meaning, definitions and examples

religious beliefs

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

belief in multiple gods, polytheistic belief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.