demigod
LowFormal, Literary, Mythological
Definition
Meaning
A being who is partly divine and partly mortal; the offspring of a god and a human.
A person, typically a leader or idol, who is so admired or powerful that they are treated as if they were divine or infallible.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In mythology, a specific category of divine being. In modern figurative use, it often carries connotations of excessive or uncritical admiration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or semantic differences. Usage patterns are consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[demigod] of [origin/mythology]regard/treat/view [someone] as a [demigod]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Treat someone like a demigod”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically and critically to describe a CEO or founder who is unreasonably idolised by the company culture.
Academic
Used in literature, classics, religious studies, and history when discussing mythologies or deified historical figures.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used figuratively to describe a hugely admired sports star or celebrity.
Technical
Not a technical term outside of mythological studies.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Hercules is a famous demigod from stories.
- In the film, the hero discovers he is a demigod, the son of a goddess.
- Some fans treat that actor like a demigod, hanging on his every word.
- The cult of personality around the founder had elevated him to the status of an untouchable corporate demigod.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'DEMI' (half) + 'GOD'. A Hercules figure who is half-divine, half-mortal.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADMIRATION IS DEIFICATION (To admire someone intensely is to treat them as a god).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'полубог' in modern contexts where 'идол' (idol) or 'кумир' (idol, favourite) is more natural. 'Полубог' is a direct calque but sounds archaic/literary in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'demi-god' (hyphenated form is less common).
- Confusing with 'deity' (a full god).
- Using in contexts where 'legend' or 'icon' would be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is the most accurate modern figurative use of 'demigod'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In mythology, often yes, as many heroes were demigods. In modern use, 'hero' is broader and less divine, while 'demigod' implies near-divine status.
Yes. The term is gender-neutral, though many famous mythological examples are male (e.g., Hercules). A female example is Helen of Troy in some versions of her myth.
In mythology, it is neutral. In modern figurative use, it can be negative, implying excessive, foolish, or dangerous admiration.
A demigod is born of divine parentage. A saint is a human recognised posthumously for exceptional holiness within a religion.