Deity

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

British English: /ˈdeɪ.ɪ.ti/

American English: /ˈdiː.ə.ti/

Definitions

• A god or goddess in a polytheistic religion.
• The supreme being in monotheistic religions.
• A person or thing revered as supremely powerful or important.

Usage Examples

• "Ancient civilizations worshipped many deities, each representing different aspects of life."
• "In Hinduism, Vishnu is considered a principal deity responsible for preservation."
• "The rockstar was treated like a deity by fans across the world."

Etymology

From Old French deité, from Latin deitas, meaning 'divine nature,' derived from deus (god).

Synonyms

• God
• Goddess
• Divinity
• Supreme Being
• Celestial being

Antonyms

• Human
• Mortal
• Non-believer

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈdeɪ.ɪ.ti/
• American English: /ˈdiː.ə.ti/

Historical Usage

The concept of deities has been central to religious beliefs across cultures, from ancient Egyptian gods to modern interpretations of the divine.

Cultural Nuances

Different cultures attribute varying characteristics to deities, ranging from anthropomorphic beings in Greek mythology to abstract forces in Eastern philosophies.

More Information

The study of deities falls under theology and mythology, analyzing their roles, stories, and significance in human society.