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latria

Very Rare
UK/ləˈtriːə/US/ləˈtraɪə/

Technical/Theological

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Definition

Meaning

The highest form of worship in Christianity, reserved for God alone.

In Catholic theology, a technical term denoting supreme adoration and reverence owed exclusively to God, distinguished from lesser forms of veneration.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

This word is primarily used in theological contexts to make a precise distinction between levels of religious reverence. It is not used in casual or secular conversation.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in usage. The term is part of the shared, international vocabulary of Christian theology.

Connotations

Technical, dogmatic, specifically Roman Catholic.

Frequency

Equally rare and specialized in both dialects.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
divine latriadue latria
medium
the worship of latrialatria versus dulia
weak
offer latriatrue latria

Grammar

Valency Patterns

to offer latria (to someone/something)the latria due to God

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

supreme worshipabsolute worship

Neutral

adorationworship

Weak

reverence

Vocabulary

Antonyms

blasphemyprofanationdesecration

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “None”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Not applicable.

Academic

Used in theology papers to describe dogmatic distinctions in Christian worship.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

The primary context; used in theological discourse and doctrinal teaching.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • Theologians emphasise that latria is to be offered to none but God.

American English

  • The catechism teaches that latria belongs to God alone.

adverb

British English

  • The term is used latrially in theological texts.

American English

  • They worshipped latrially, as doctrine prescribes.

adjective

British English

  • The latria form of worship is distinct.

American English

  • They discussed the latria nature of the sacrifice.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • This word is too advanced for A2 level.
B1
  • This word is too advanced for B1 level.
B2
  • 'Latria' is a theological term for the highest worship.
  • In seminary, they learned the difference between latria and dulia.
C1
  • The Council of Trent clarified that the latria owed to God must never be conflated with the veneration accorded to saints.
  • Her thesis examined the historical development of the concept of latria in Western theology.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: "LATRIA" rhymes with "patria" (fatherland). Latria is the worship given to the divine Father, not to earthly figures.

Conceptual Metaphor

Worship as a ranked hierarchy (latria at the top).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Do not confuse with 'ла́трия' (a fabricated word). The concept is typically translated as "поклонение" or more specifically "латрия" in theological texts.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it to describe general respect or admiration.
  • Confusing it with 'dulia' (veneration for saints).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In Catholic doctrine, is the supreme worship reserved for God.
Multiple Choice

What does 'latria' specifically refer to?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a highly specialised theological term rarely encountered outside religious academic contexts.

The main conceptual opposite is 'dulia' or 'hyperdulia', which refer to veneration given to saints and the Virgin Mary respectively, not supreme worship.

No, its meaning is strictly confined to the context of Christian theology and worship.

In American English, it is commonly pronounced /ləˈtraɪə/ (luh-TRY-uh).