Worship: meaning, definitions and examples
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worship
[ˈwərʃɪp ]
Definitions
religious
The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.
Synonyms
adore, honor, revere, venerate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| worship |
Used in a religious or spiritual setting to express deep respect and adoration for a deity or higher power.
|
| revere |
Implies deep admiration and respect, typically placed in a context that is more formal or involves figures or principles that have significant cultural or historical importance.
|
| adore |
Often used in everyday language to express strong affection and love for someone or something, usually in a personal or informal context.
|
| honor |
Used to show great respect or recognition for someone's achievements, role, or qualities, often in a formal or ceremonial setting.
|
| venerate |
Similar to 'revere,' used to show deep respect and reverence, often associated with religious or historical figures or objects that are held in high esteem.
|
Examples of usage
- He worships the gods every morning.
- She worships at the local temple.
- They worship together as a community.
- We worship in different ways but share the same faith.
- The ancient Egyptians worshipped many gods.
religion
The act of showing reverence and adoration for a deity.
Synonyms
adoration, adoring, devotion, praise.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| worship |
The definition and context are the same as described previously, used typically in religious and spiritual contexts to show reverence and honor towards a deity or divine figure.
|
| adoration |
Used to express strong admiration, love, and respect, often in both religious and romantic contexts.
|
| devotion |
Used to describe a strong commitment and dedication to a person, cause, or deity, often involving acts of loyalty and service.
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| praise |
Used to express approval, commendation, and admiration, commonly in both religious groups and everyday conversation.
|
| adoring |
Often used in more personal, intimate contexts to show deep affection and admiration, typically toward a person.
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Examples of usage
- The worship of idols is common in some cultures.
- Our family's worship practices are deeply rooted in tradition.
- She attends worship services every Sunday.
- The worship of nature is a common theme in indigenous religions.
- The worship of ancestors is an important aspect of our cultural heritage.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from Old English 'weorðscipe,' which means 'the condition of being worthy.'
- Ancient cultures practiced forms of worship through rituals and offerings to gods to gain favor or blessings.
- The concept of worship dates back thousands of years and various ancient civilizations, including Egyptians, Greeks, and Mesopotamians.
Cultural Practices
- Different cultures have unique forms of worship; for instance, in Christianity, it can involve singing hymns, while in Buddhism, it may include meditation.
- In some traditions, community worship involves gathering in places like churches or temples, fostering a sense of belonging.
- Rituals performed during worship can vary significantly, from quiet reflections to grand ceremonies, highlighting individual cultural significance.
Psychology
- Worship can provide a sense of purpose and belonging, helping individuals cope with life's challenges.
- It often fosters a community bond as people gather with shared beliefs and values, reducing feelings of loneliness.
- Engaging in worship can trigger emotional responses like peace, joy, or inspiration, contributing to overall well-being.
Art and Literature
- Many artists have created masterpieces inspired by themes of worship, depicting divine figures and sacred moments in history.
- Literature often explores the concept of worship, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the divine.
- Poets, such as John Milton, have woven the idea of worship into their works, emphasizing its emotional and philosophical depths.
Modern Context
- Today, worship can also be seen in secular forms, such as celebrating national heroes or cultural icons.
- Social media has transformed ways people express worship, allowing for shared virtual experiences of devotion and community.
- Interfaith dialogue encourages understanding of diverse worship practices, promoting respect and compassion among different beliefs.
Translations
Translations of the word "worship" in other languages:
🇵🇹 adoração
🇮🇳 पूजा
🇩🇪 Anbetung
🇮🇩 penyembahan
🇺🇦 поклоніння
🇵🇱 kult
🇯🇵 崇拝 (すうはい)
🇫🇷 adoration
🇪🇸 adoración
🇹🇷 ibadet
🇰🇷 숭배
🇸🇦 عبادة
🇨🇿 uctívání
🇸🇰 uctievanie
🇨🇳 崇拜 (chóngbài)
🇸🇮 čaščenje
🇮🇸 dýrkun
🇰🇿 құлшылық
🇬🇪 თაყვანისცემა
🇦🇿 ibadət
🇲🇽 adoración