idolatry
C1/C2Formal, literary, academic, theological.
Definition
Meaning
The worship of physical idols or images as gods, or the practice of excessive or blind devotion to a person or thing.
Extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone, often to the point where it becomes a replacement for religious devotion or a primary focus in life.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While its original meaning is literal (religious worship of idols), its primary modern use is figurative, indicating a level of devotion considered excessive or misplaced. It often carries a negative connotation of irrational or harmful devotion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Both follow the same literal/figurative distinction.
Connotations
Slightly more common in religious (Christian) discourse in the US. In the UK, it may appear more frequently in literary or cultural criticism contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech for both, but comparable. Slightly higher frequency in American evangelical writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
idolatry of [noun]idolatry towards [noun]accuse someone of idolatrycondemn something as idolatryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Noun/Concept] is the new idolatry.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in critique: "The company's idolatry of quarterly profits harmed its long-term strategy."
Academic
Common in religious studies, theology, cultural studies, and history. "The paper examines the idolatry of political figures in the 20th century."
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used for emphatic, critical effect: "His idolatry of that footballer is a bit unhealthy."
Technical
Specific technical term in theology and religious anthropology to describe prohibited worship practices.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They were accused of idolatrising material possessions.
- The media tends to idolatrise young celebrities.
American English
- They were accused of idolatrizing material possessions.
- The media tends to idolatrize young celebrities.
adverb
British English
- He gazed idolatrously at the vintage car.
- The fans followed the star idolatrously.
American English
- He gazed idolatrously at the vintage car.
- The fans followed the star idolatrously.
adjective
British English
- His idolatrous gaze never left the screen.
- The book critiques idolatrous consumerism.
American English
- His idolatrous gaze never left the screen.
- The book critiques idolatrous consumerism.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too advanced for A2. Use simpler concept.)
- Some people say that caring too much about money is a form of idolatry.
- In ancient times, idolatry was common in many religions.
- The cult leader demanded absolute idolatry from his followers.
- Modern idolatry often takes the form of celebrity worship or obsession with technology.
- The philosopher warned against the idolatry of reason, arguing it could become its own kind of dogma.
- Her critique focused on the media's idolatry of youth and its damaging social effects.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IDOL + LATRY (like 'psalm' in 'psalmistry' or 'priest' in 'priestcraft'). It's the 'worship (-latry) of idols'.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCESSIVE DEVOTION IS (FORBIDDEN) RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. (e.g., 'idolatry of wealth', 'idolatry of beauty').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as "идолопоклонничество" in figurative contexts where it sounds overly heavy and theological. For modern figurative use, consider "слепое обожание", "культ личности", "преклонение".
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'idleness'. Spelling: *idolarity, *idoltry. Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an idolatry'). It is almost always uncountable.
Practice
Quiz
In its most common MODERN usage, 'idolatry' primarily refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern usage it almost always carries a negative or critical connotation, implying the devotion is excessive, misplaced, or harmful.
Absolutely. Its most frequent use today is secular and figurative, e.g., 'idolatry of fame', 'idolatry of data'.
'Idolatry' implies a degree of worship and uncritical devotion that goes far beyond simple 'admiration'. It suggests the object is treated as sacred or perfect.
The verb is 'idolatrize' (US) / 'idolatrise' (UK), but it is very rare. More common are 'idolize' or the phrase 'practice idolatry'.
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