polytheism
/pɒl.ɪˈθiː.ɪz.əm/
polytheism means the belief in the existence of multiple gods. It carries an Arena rating of 1488, earned across 26 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, polytheism ranks #549 of 13,219 for Most Sublime Words, #2,131 of 13,219 for Most Ponderous Words, #3,737 of 13,219 for Most Satisfying to Say, #5,486 of 13,219 for Words That Escaped Their Books.
polytheism is pronounced /pɒl.ɪˈθiː.ɪz.əm/.
Why “polytheism” is a great word
POLYTHEISM — [Noun] The belief in or worship of multiple, distinct deities. From French polythéisme, from Ancient Greek πολύς (polús, "many") + θεός (theós, "god"), corresponding to poly- + theism; first attested in English 1605–15. Unlike "monotheism," which posits a solitary, supreme deity, or "henotheism," which elevates one god from a recognized pantheon, polytheism is a fundamental, unconsolidated plurality. It is the distinct spirit in the river and the oak, the precise, conflicting domains of a god of the seas and a god of the forge, and the crowded household shrine—a cosmology where the sacred, mirroring the messy multiplicity of life itself, is never governed by a single will.
Etymology
From French polythéisme, from Ancient Greek πολύς (polús, “many”) and θεός (theós, “god”), corresponding to poly- + theism.
noun
- The belief in the existence of multiple gods.“And remember when Lokmân said unto his son, as he admonished him, Oh my son, give not a partner unto GOD; for polytheism is a great impiety.”
- A religion or belief system with multiple gods.“The Chaldeans worshipped the seven planets. These seven planets were the "Seven Great Gods" of the ancients, and constituted a polytheism, the component members of which varied in importance, with the moon occupying the premier position.”
Words closest in meaning
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