household gods: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Literary, academic, figurative (in modern use).
Quick answer
What does “household gods” mean?
Small statues representing protective deities of a home, especially in ancient Roman culture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Small statues representing protective deities of a home, especially in ancient Roman culture; the Lares and Penates.
Cherished personal possessions or traditions that symbolize the comfort, identity, and continuity of a home or family.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; the term is used identically. Slight variation in figurative usage frequency.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries a literary, slightly elevated, or classical tone.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both regions, primarily found in classical/historical texts or literary prose.
Grammar
How to Use “household gods” in a Sentence
The family's household godstreated as household godsthe household gods of the nation (figurative)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “household gods” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form derived from 'household gods')
American English
- (No standard verb form derived from 'household gods')
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form)
American English
- (No standard adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The household-god figures were found in the ruins.
- a household-god tradition
American English
- The household-god statuettes were unearthed.
- a household-god shrine
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; potentially in branding/marketing for 'home' products.
Academic
Common in classical studies, history, archaeology, and literature papers.
Everyday
Very rare; used figuratively in educated conversation.
Technical
Used in archaeology/anthropology to describe finds.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “household gods”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “household gods”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “household gods”
- Using it to refer to actual major deities (e.g., Zeus). Singular form 'household god' is less common. Confusing with 'idols' which lacks the specific domestic/protective connotation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is virtually always used in the plural form, reflecting the Roman tradition of multiple protective deities (Lares and Penates).
It would sound literary or academic. In everyday talk, phrases like 'cherished possessions' or 'family heirlooms' are more natural for the figurative sense.
All household gods (figurative) could be heirlooms, but not all heirlooms are treated with the quasi-religious reverence implied by 'household gods'. The latter term emphasises sentimental/ symbolic protection.
The term is specifically rooted in Roman religion. Other cultures have domestic spirits or protector figures (e.g., Japanese kami), but 'household gods' in English typically references the Roman context unless used loosely.
Small statues representing protective deities of a home, especially in ancient Roman culture.
Household gods is usually literary, academic, figurative (in modern use). in register.
Household gods: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaʊs.həʊld ˈɡɒdz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaʊs.hoʊld ˈɡɑːdz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not an idiom in itself, but used figuratively (e.g., 'protect it like a household god').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOUSEHOLD of GODS (small statues) guarding the HOLD (interior) of your house.
Conceptual Metaphor
SENTIMENTAL OBJECTS ARE DEITIES (providing protection, identity, and continuity).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern, figurative meaning of 'household gods'?