Type in ➚

0 results, you searched for term: idol. Please check for the correct spellings.

Dictionary Entry: Idol

Idol

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈaɪ.dəl/

Definitions

  • 1. A statue, image, or representation of a god, deity, or person used for worship.
  • 2. A person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.
  • 3. A person who is the object of excessive admiration or devotion.

Usage Examples

  • "The ancient temple was filled with idols made of gold and stone."
  • "She was considered an idol of the fashion industry."
  • "The young musician became an idol among his fans."

Etymology

The word "idol" originates from the Latin word "idolum," meaning "image" or "likeness," which in turn comes from the Greek word "eidolon," meaning "image" or "phantom." The term has been used since the Middle Ages to refer to objects of worship, such as statues or images representing gods.

Synonyms

  • Icon
  • Effigy
  • Statue
  • Hero
  • Celebrity

Antonyms

  • Enemy
  • Opposition
  • Nonentity
  • Antagonist

Translations

LanguageTranslationPronunciation
SpanishÍdolo/ˈiːdolo/
FrenchIdole/idɔl/
GermanIdol/ˈiːdɔl/
RussianИдол/idol/
Hindiमूर्ति/mūrti/
Tamilபூஜை பத்திரிகை/pūjai patthirigai/
Teluguప్రతిమ/prathima/
Bengaliআইডল/āiḍal/
Gujaratiમૂર્તિ/mūrti/
Marathiआयडॉल/āyḍāl/
Kannadaಮೂರ್ತಿ/mūrti/
Malayalamപ്രതിമ/prathima/
Punjabiਆਈਡਲ/ā'īḍal/
Chinese偶像/ǒu xiàng/
Japaneseアイドル/aidoru/
Korean아이돌/aidol/
Arabicتمثال/timsāl/
PortugueseÍdolo/ˈidolu/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • India (South): /ˈaɪ.dəl/
  • US: /ˈaɪ.dəl/
  • UK: /ˈaɪ.dəl/

Historical Usage

The use of idols for religious purposes dates back thousands of years. In ancient cultures, idols were often created as representations of gods, deities, and spirits to be worshipped. Over time, the meaning of the term "idol" expanded to include figures of celebrity, admired for their influence, beauty, or talent. The word has undergone shifts in cultural significance, moving from religious and spiritual contexts to secular ones.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, idols hold deep religious and cultural significance. In Hinduism, for example, idols are often used as representations of gods and are central to religious worship. However, in modern popular culture, the term "idol" is more commonly used to describe a person who is admired or idolized for their achievements or appearance. The concept of the "idol" has expanded to include celebrities and influencers who hold significant sway over public perception and fan behavior.

More Information

The word "idol" originally referred to physical objects of worship, like statues or images, used in various religions and cultures. Over the centuries, it has evolved to encompass a broader meaning, including revered individuals, particularly in the entertainment industry. The idolization of figures like film stars, musicians, and athletes highlights how the term has evolved from religious connotations to the secular veneration of popular personalities. In modern culture, idolization can be seen in the way fans revere and emulate public figures, often elevating them to larger-than-life status.

  1. Home
  2.  › 
  3. language
  4.  › 
  5. malayalam-dictionary-translation-meaning-of-idol