deus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (primarily used in set Latin phrases, academic/ literary contexts)Formal, Academic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “deus” mean?
A god or divine being, especially in Roman religion and mythology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A god or divine being, especially in Roman religion and mythology.
In modern usage, often appears in Latin phrases (e.g., deus ex machina) referring to a contrived solution or a god-like intervention in narratives. Also used ironically or metaphorically to denote an all-powerful figure or force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both dialects use it exclusively within the same set phrases and contexts.
Connotations
Carries connotations of classical education, formality, and sometimes irony when used outside strict Latin contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “deus” in a Sentence
[deus] + [ex machina] (fixed phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “deus” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The play's resolution relied on a rather clumsy deus ex machina.
- In Roman myth, each river had its own deus.
American English
- The writer used a deus ex machina to end the complicated plot.
- He argued that the market should not be treated as a deus.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The new funding was a deus ex machina for the failing project.'
Academic
Common in literary criticism, classical studies, and philosophy to describe narrative devices or philosophical concepts.
Everyday
Very rare. Used knowingly, often with irony: 'And then, like a deus ex machina, my dad showed up with the keys.'
Technical
Used in narratology and drama theory to label a specific plot device.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “deus”
- Using 'deus' as a standalone synonym for 'god'.
- Misspelling 'ex machina' as 'ex machina' or 'ex machine'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /djuːs/ instead of /ˈdeɪ.ʊs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Deus' is a Latin word. In English, it is only used in specific, unaltered Latin phrases like 'deus ex machina'. Use 'god' or 'deity' instead.
It means 'from the machine', referring to the crane (mechane) used in ancient Greek theatre to lower an actor playing a god onto the stage.
Not always, but it is often used critically to describe a contrived, unbelievable, or overly convenient solution to a plot's problems.
It is pronounced /ˈdeɪ.ʊs/, with the first syllable sounding like 'day' and the second like 'us' with a very short 'u'.
A god or divine being, especially in Roman religion and mythology.
Deus is usually formal, academic, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “deus ex machina (a god from the machine; an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEUS sounds like 'day us'. Imagine a god (deus) bringing a new 'day to us'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HIGHER POWER IS AN EXTERNAL MECHANISM / DIVINE INTERVENTION IS A THEATRICAL DEVICE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'deus' most appropriately used in modern English?