mariolatry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Theological, Literary
Quick answer
What does “mariolatry” mean?
The worship of the Virgin Mary to an extent regarded as excessive or idolatrous.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The worship of the Virgin Mary to an extent regarded as excessive or idolatrous.
Excessive veneration or adoration of any female figure, often implying a devotion that is perceived to cross into inappropriate religious or quasi-religious worship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in concept but slightly more common in British theological writing, reflecting historical Anglican-Protestant critique of Catholicism. In American English, it might appear more in academic religious studies.
Connotations
Strongly negative and polemical in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. Primarily encountered in specialized theological, historical, or polemical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “mariolatry” in a Sentence
accuse (someone/something) of mariolatrycriticise X for mariolatrycondemn the mariolatry of YVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mariolatry” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mariolatrous tendencies of the movement were criticised.
- He wrote a treatise against what he saw as mariolatrous practices.
American English
- The scholar analyzed the mariolatrous elements in the medieval text.
- Accusations of being mariolatrous are often dismissed by Catholic theologians.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, or historical papers discussing interdenominational conflict or the development of Christian doctrine.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used in highly specific religious debates.
Technical
A technical term in comparative religion and polemical theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mariolatry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mariolatry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mariolatry”
- Confusing it with 'Mariology' (the theological study of Mary, which is neutral).
- Using it as a neutral or positive term.
- Misspelling as 'Mariology' or 'Mariolotry'.
- Assuming it is a common word in general religious discussion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost exclusively a pejorative term used by critics, typically from Protestant traditions, to label practices they consider idolatrous.
'Mariology' is the formal, neutral, academic theological study of the Virgin Mary. 'Mariolatry' is a polemical term implying excessive, idolatrous worship.
Very rarely, and only metaphorically. For example, one might sarcastically refer to the 'mariolatry' of fans towards a celebrity named Mary, but this is highly stylised and uncommon.
No, it is a very low-frequency word confined to specialized theological, historical, or polemical writing. The average native speaker is unlikely to know it.
The worship of the Virgin Mary to an extent regarded as excessive or idolatrous.
Mariolatry is usually formal, theological, literary in register.
Mariolatry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛːrɪˈɒlətri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛriˈɑːlətri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to border on mariolatry”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"MARY-O-LATRY" sounds like 'worship of Mary' – breaking it down makes it clear.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVOTION IS A CONTAINER (excessive devotion 'overflows' into idolatry); CRITICISM IS A WEAPON ('charges' or 'accusations' of mariolatry).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'mariolatry' MOST appropriately used?