Divinity

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/dɪˈvɪn.ɪ.ti/

Definitions

• The state or quality of being divine or godlike.
• A deity or supreme being, especially in theological contexts.
• The study of religion, theology, and spiritual matters.
• A type of fudge-like candy made with egg whites, sugar, and nuts.

Usage Examples

• "Many people study divinity to understand religious doctrines."
• "The pharaohs of ancient Egypt were considered to possess divinity."
• "She made a batch of homemade divinity candy for the holidays."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin divinitas, meaning "godliness" or "divine nature," which in turn originates from divinus ("divine") and deus ("god"). The term has been used in English since the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Godliness
• Theology
• Deity
• Sacredness

Antonyms

• Mortal
• Profanity
• Secularism

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dɪˈvɪn.ɪ.ti/
• American English: /dəˈvɪn.ə.ti/

Historical Usage

The concept of divinity has been central to human religious thought for millennia, from ancient civilizations worshiping gods to modern theological studies in academic institutions.

Cultural Nuances

The meaning of divinity varies by culture and belief system. In Christianity, it refers to the nature of God, while in Hinduism, it can refer to numerous deities and their attributes.

More Information

Divinity plays a key role in philosophy, religion, and spiritual discourse. It is often debated in theological discussions regarding the nature of the divine and its relation to humanity. In a more everyday sense, "divinity" also refers to a sweet confection that is popular in Southern U.S. cuisine.