maryolatry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal, Theological, Literary
Quick answer
What does “maryolatry” mean?
Excessive veneration or worship of the Virgin Mary.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Excessive veneration or worship of the Virgin Mary.
Extreme or undue devotion to any female figure, often implying idolatrous reverence beyond appropriate bounds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical theological/literary criticism connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both British and American English, confined to academic or religious texts.
Grammar
How to Use “maryolatry” in a Sentence
[Subject] accuses [Group] of maryolatry.The [Text] condemns the maryolatry of the [Period].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maryolatry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The reformer sought to maryolatrise the simple prayers. (extremely rare/constructed)
American English
- Critics claim the festival maryolatrizes the saint. (extremely rare/constructed)
adverb
British English
- The statue was venerated almost maryolatrously. (rare)
American English
- They prayed maryolatrously, according to the pamphlet. (rare)
adjective
British English
- The bishop denounced the maryolatrous tendencies in the local shrine.
American English
- He wrote a paper on maryolatrous iconography in the late medieval period.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or religious studies papers to discuss critiques of Catholic or Orthodox Marian devotion.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A technical term within specific theological discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “maryolatry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “maryolatry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maryolatry”
- Misspelling as 'Mariolatry' (also accepted) or 'Maryology'.
- Using it as a neutral synonym for all veneration of Mary.
- Pronouncing it /məˈraɪ.ə.lə.tri/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialised term used almost exclusively in formal theological, historical, or literary discussions.
Both spellings are found, though 'Mariolatry' is perhaps slightly more common in historical texts. 'Maryolatry' is a clear modern rendering.
It is inherently critical or pejorative. It is used by those who believe the veneration of Mary has become excessive and idolatrous. A neutral term would be 'Marian devotion' or 'Mariology'.
Very rarely and metaphorically. One might, in literary criticism, speak of the 'maryolatry' of a poet towards a beloved or muse, implying excessive, worshipful idealisation.
Excessive veneration or worship of the Virgin Mary.
Maryolatry is usually formal, theological, literary in register.
Maryolatry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛərɪˈɒlətri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛriˈɑːlətri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MARY + IDOLATRY = excessive worship of Mary as if she were an idol.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVOTION IS A SUBSTANCE (that can become excessive); RELIGIOUS PRACTICE IS A PATH (that can veer into error).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'maryolatry' MOST appropriately used?