mithras: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency / Specialist)Formal, Academic, Historical, Archaeological, Religious Studies
Quick answer
What does “mithras” mean?
The central deity of the ancient Roman mystery cult of Mithraism, often depicted slaying a bull.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The central deity of the ancient Roman mystery cult of Mithraism, often depicted slaying a bull.
Refers to the god worshipped in the Greco-Roman mystery religion (Mithraism), a syncretic deity derived from the Persian god Mithra. In modern usage, primarily refers to this historical and archaeological figure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The primary distinction lies in pronunciation.
Connotations
Identical historical and academic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both regions, confined to specialist texts.
Grammar
How to Use “mithras” in a Sentence
the worship of Mithrasthe cult dedicated to MithrasMithras as a solar deityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mithras” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mithraic temple was discovered beneath the City of London.
American English
- Mithraic iconography is found throughout the Roman Empire.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in Classics, Archaeology, History of Religion, and Ancient History papers. E.g., 'The iconography of Mithras reveals syncretic influences.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely in archaeological site reports and descriptions of artefacts related to Mithraic temples (Mithraea).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mithras”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mithras”
- Using 'Mithras' as a common noun (e.g., 'a mithras'). It is always a proper noun and capitalised.
- Confusing 'Mithras' (Roman deity) with 'Mithra' (the earlier Persian/Iranian deity).
- Pronouncing it /maɪˈθræs/ (my-THRASS) instead of /ˈmɪθrəs/ (MITH-ruhs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Mithras was a deity in a separate, pre-Christian Roman mystery religion. While sometimes compared due to certain thematic parallels (e.g., birth on December 25th in some traditions), they are distinct figures from different religions.
It is the name for the central cult image of Mithraism, which invariably depicts Mithras in the act of killing (slaying) a bull. It is a complex symbol with astronomical and salvific meanings.
Many major museums with Roman collections have them, such as the Museum of London (London Mithraeum), the British Museum, and museums in Rome, Ostia, and other former Roman territories.
Mithraism as an organized religion died out in late antiquity. There are modern pagan revival groups, but they are not historically continuous with the ancient Roman cult.
The central deity of the ancient Roman mystery cult of Mithraism, often depicted slaying a bull.
Mithras is usually formal, academic, historical, archaeological, religious studies in register.
Mithras: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪθræs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪθrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MITH-RAS: **M**an **I**n **T**he **H**eat **R**eligion **A**ncient **S**laughter (referencing the central scene of the god in a heated cave, slaying a bull).
Conceptual Metaphor
MITHRAISM IS A MYSTERY (the religion is conceptualised as a secret, initiatory path); MITHRAIC INITIATION IS A JOURNEY (through seven grades).
Practice
Quiz
Mithras was primarily worshipped by which group in the Roman Empire?