god-man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “god-man” mean?
A being who is both divine and human, often referring specifically to Jesus Christ in Christian theology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A being who is both divine and human, often referring specifically to Jesus Christ in Christian theology.
A mythological or legendary figure possessing qualities of both a deity and a human; a person treated with extreme reverence or idolized.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties; the term is largely confined to theological and academic discourse.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is religious/theological. Outside this context, it can carry a slightly archaic or literary tone.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general usage. Slightly more likely to appear in British academic writing due to the influence of state church discourse, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “god-man” in a Sentence
The god-man (subject) + verb (e.g., *embodies*, *represents*, *unites*)concept/doctrine of the god-manfigure of the god-manVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “god-man” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The god-man nature of Christ is central to the creed.
- They explored god-man myths across cultures.
American English
- The god-man nature of Christ is central to the creed.
- They explored god-man myths across various cultures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, history of religions, and comparative mythology.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would likely be used only in specific religious discussions.
Technical
A technical term in systematic theology and Christology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “god-man”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “god-man”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “god-man”
- Writing as one word ('godman') or two separate words ('god man') in a theological context. Using it to describe a merely impressive human without divine connotations.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is typically not capitalized unless it is part of a title or used as a direct synonym for 'Christ' in a specific theological context.
It would be highly unusual and potentially confusing or offensive. Use terms like 'genius', 'prodigy', or 'superhuman' instead for a talented mortal.
A 'god-man' (in theology) implies a full and perfect union of divine and human natures. A 'demigod' usually means a being with one divine parent and one mortal parent, like Hercules, and is a term from mythology.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term. An average learner is unlikely to encounter it outside of religious or advanced academic texts.
A being who is both divine and human, often referring specifically to Jesus Christ in Christian theology.
God-man is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
God-man: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒd ˌmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːd ˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Play the god-man (rare, pejorative: to act with arrogant, godlike authority)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the hyphen as a bridge connecting 'GOD' and 'MAN' into one unique being.
Conceptual Metaphor
DUALITY IS A HYPHENATED ENTITY; DIVINITY IS EMBODIED IN HUMAN FORM.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'god-man' primarily a technical term?