The word "idolater" comes from the root "idol," which refers to a representation or image of a deity, and "-ter," meaning "one who." It originally described someone who worshipped physical idols or false gods. In historical and religious contexts, the term was used to refer to individuals who did not follow the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. However, as the concept of idol worship has expanded, so too has the use of the word "idolater," which can now also refer to individuals who are excessively devoted to celebrities, pop culture, or even ideas. In modern times, the idea of "idolization" often focuses on secular figures, and the term can sometimes be used humorously or critically in popular culture.
Translation of 'idolater' in Sindhi
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Word 'idolater' in Other Languages
- idolater in Assamese অসমীয়া
- idolater in Bengali বাংলা
- idolater in Bodo बड़ो
- idolater in Dogri डोगरी
- idolater in English
- idolater in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- idolater in Hindi हिन्दी
- idolater in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- idolater in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- idolater in Konkani कोंकणी
- idolater in Maithili মৈথিলী
- idolater in Malayalam മലയാളം
- idolater in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- idolater in Marathi मराठी
- idolater in Nepali नेपाली
- idolater in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- idolater in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- idolater in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- idolater in Santali
- idolater in Sindhi سنڌي
- idolater in Tamil தமிழ்
- idolater in Telugu తెలుగు
- idolater in Urdu اُردُو
Idolater
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈaɪ.də.lə.tər/
Definitions
- 1. A person who worships idols or false gods.
- 2. A person who has excessive or blind admiration for someone or something.
Usage Examples
- "The ancient civilizations often had idolaters who worshipped statues of gods."
- "She was considered an idolater of celebrity culture, always obsessed with famous personalities."
- "The priests condemned idolaters for their false worship of the golden statue."
Etymology
From the Late Latin "idolatra," meaning "one who worships idols," from Greek "eidolon" meaning "image" or "idol," and the suffix "-ter," meaning "one who." The word first appeared in the English language in the 14th century to describe someone who worships idols or false deities.
Synonyms
- Worshiper
- Fanatic
- Admirer
- Devotee
- Zealot
Antonyms
- Atheist
- Skeptic
- Nonbeliever
- Disbeliever
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Idólatra | /iˈðolatra/ |
| French | Idolâtre | /idɔlɑtʁ/ |
| German | Idolatrer | /ɪdoˈlaːtʁɐ/ |
| Russian | Идолопоклонник | /idolopoklonnʲɪk/ |
| Hindi | मूर्ति पूजा करने वाला | /mūrti pūjā karne vālā/ |
| Tamil | பூஜை விரும்புபவர் | /pūjai viṟumpubavar/ |
| Telugu | ప్రతిమ పూజకుడు | /prathima pūjakudā/ |
| Bengali | মূর্তিপূজক | /murtipujak/ |
| Gujarati | મૂર્તિપૂજક | /mūrtī pūjak/ |
| Marathi | मूर्तिपूजक | /mūrtī pūjak/ |
| Kannada | ಮೂರ್ತಿಪೂಜಕ | /mūrtī pūjaka/ |
| Malayalam | പ്രതിമാപൂജകൻ | /prathimāpūjakan/ |
| Punjabi | ਮੂਰਤੀ ਪੂਜਕ | /mūrti pūjak/ |
| Chinese | 偶像崇拜者 | /ǒu xiàng chóng bài zhě/ |
| Japanese | 偶像崇拝者 | /gūzō sūhai-sha/ |
| Korean | 우상 숭배자 | /usang sungbaeja/ |
| Arabic | معبود | /maʕbūd/ |
| Portuguese | Idólatra | /iˈdɔlatɾɐ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- India (South): /ˈaɪ.də.lə.tər/
- US: /ˈaɪ.də.lə.tər/
- UK: /ˈaɪ.də.lə.tər/
Historical Usage
The word "idolater" has been used since the Middle Ages to describe individuals who worship idols or false gods, particularly in the context of religious doctrine. It was often used by early Christian and Jewish writers to refer to those who practiced polytheism. Over time, the term expanded to include not just religious idolaters but also people who excessively admired or worshipped secular figures, such as celebrities or political leaders.
Cultural Nuances
In different cultures, the term "idolater" can carry varying connotations. In some religious traditions, idolaters are seen as heretics, while in others, the act of idol worship is a deeply rooted cultural or spiritual practice. In modern secular contexts, calling someone an idolater may imply that they have an excessive and often uncritical admiration for a person or thing. The term has shifted somewhat from strictly religious meanings to include secular "worship," particularly in the world of celebrity culture.