ancestor worship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Anthropological, Religious, Formal
Quick answer
What does “ancestor worship” mean?
The religious or reverential practice of honoring and venerating deceased ancestors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The religious or reverential practice of honoring and venerating deceased ancestors.
The act of attributing great reverence or influence to past figures or practices, often in a cultural, intellectual, or organisational context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term can carry a neutral or negative connotation, depending on context. Neutral in anthropology; sometimes negative when used metaphorically to imply stifling traditionalism.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse; higher frequency in academic/specialist contexts. Equally rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “ancestor worship” in a Sentence
noun + of + ancestor worship (e.g., 'the practice of ancestor worship')ancestor worship + verb (e.g., 'ancestor worship flourishes', 'ancestor worship involves')adjective + ancestor worship (e.g., 'filial ancestor worship')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ancestor worship” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To ancestor-worship (hyphenated verb, rare): 'Some cultures ancestor-worship as a core part of their belief system.'
American English
- To engage in ancestor worship (verb phrase): 'The community continues to ancestor-worship, maintaining ancient rituals.'
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb) Rituals performed ancestor-worshippingly (extremely rare/non-standard).
American English
- (No standard adverb)
adjective
British English
- ancestor-worshipping (hyphenated): 'an ancestor-worshipping society'.
American English
- ancestor-worship (attributive noun): 'ancestor worship rituals', 'ancestor worship practices'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical use: 'The company's ancestor worship of its founder stifled innovation.'
Academic
Primary use in anthropology, religious studies, history: 'The paper examines ancestor worship in Early Zhou dynasty China.'
Everyday
Rare. Could be used in discussing family history or cultural traditions. 'My grandmother's stories feel like a kind of ancestor worship.'
Technical
Specific term in anthropology and comparative religion, denoting a system of beliefs and rituals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ancestor worship”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ancestor worship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ancestor worship”
- Using it to mean simply 'respecting one's elders' (too broad).
- Spelling: 'ancestor' (not ancest*r*or), 'worsh**i**p' (not worsh*e*p).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically a component of a larger religious or spiritual system (e.g., in Shinto, Chinese folk religion, African traditional religions), not a standalone 'religion' itself.
Scholars sometimes use 'veneration' to distinguish it from the worship of a supreme deity, implying respect rather than deification. However, in general usage, the terms are largely synonymous, with 'worship' being more common.
Yes, in anthropological or descriptive contexts, it is neutral. Its metaphorical use in secular contexts (e.g., business, academia) is often negative, implying stagnation.
No. 'Ancestor worship' specifically refers to ritual practices that may include offerings, prayers, or ceremonies directed at ancestors who are believed to have influence in the spirit world. General respect for heritage is different.
The religious or reverential practice of honoring and venerating deceased ancestors.
Ancestor worship is usually academic, anthropological, religious, formal in register.
Ancestor worship: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænsestə ˈwɜːʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænˌsɛstər ˈwɜːrʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no direct idioms, but related expressions:] To treat something/someone like a sacred ancestor.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANCESTOR WORSHIP = ANCESTOR (your forebears) + WORSHIP (honouring like a deity). Link: Imagine a family 'altar' where you 'worship' photos of your great-grandparents.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADITION IS ANCESTRAL SPIRIT; THE PAST IS A DEITY; REVERENCE FOR THE PAST IS RELIGIOUS VENERATION.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical business context, 'ancestor worship' most likely criticises: