polytheism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Formal, Academic, Religious Studies, Anthropology
Quick answer
What does “polytheism” mean?
The belief in or worship of multiple gods or deities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The belief in or worship of multiple gods or deities.
Any religious, philosophical, or cosmological system that posits the existence of more than one divine or supreme being. Can also refer to a historical or anthropological classification of belief systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral academic descriptor in both varieties. Often used in historical/anthropological contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low in everyday speech in both UK and US. Comparable frequency in academic and religious texts.
Grammar
How to Use “polytheism” in a Sentence
[Verb] + polytheism (e.g., 'practise', 'adopt', 'reject', 'define')polytheism + [Verb] (e.g., 'polytheism flourished', 'polytheism coexisted')polytheism + [Preposition] (e.g., 'polytheism in ancient Rome', 'polytheism versus monotheism')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polytheism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The text does not argue that they polytheised, but describes their existing beliefs.
- Some scholars claim early societies gradually polytheised.
American English
- The ancient culture did not monotheize but continued to polytheize for centuries.
- We cannot say for sure when they began to polytheize.
adverb
British English
- They worshipped polytheistically, with temples dedicated to different gods.
- The concept was understood polytheistically.
American English
- The people interpreted natural phenomena polytheistically.
- He argued that they thought more polytheistically than monotheistically.
adjective
British English
- The polytheistic traditions of India are remarkably diverse.
- He took a polytheistic view of the divine.
American English
- Her research focuses on polytheistic systems in pre-colonial societies.
- It was a fundamentally polytheistic worldview.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in religious studies, anthropology, and history. Used to classify belief systems.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in discussions about history or comparative religion.
Technical
Standard classificatory term in the fields of theology, history of religions, and philosophy of religion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polytheism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polytheism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polytheism”
- Mispronunciation: /poʊˈlaɪ.θi.ɪ.zəm/ (confusing 'poly-' with 'polite').
- Spelling: 'polythesim', 'polytheisim'.
- Incorrect antonym: using 'atheism' as the sole antonym, ignoring 'monotheism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is complex. While Hinduism features a vast pantheon of deities, many Hindus describe it as monotheistic (seeing the many gods as manifestations of one supreme reality, Brahman) or henotheistic. Western scholars have historically classified it as polytheistic, but this is an oversimplification of its theology.
'Polytheism' is a specific, neutral, descriptive term for belief in many gods. 'Paganism' is a broader, historically pejorative term used by Abrahamic religions to describe non-Abrahamic, often polytheistic, belief systems. Paganism can encompass polytheism, animism, and other practices.
Yes, this concept is known as 'henotheism' or 'monolatry'. It involves worshipping one primary deity while acknowledging the existence of others. Some interpretations of ancient Greek or Egyptian religion are seen as henotheistic.
Yes. Examples include modern Pagan movements like Wicca, Hellenism (revival of ancient Greek religion), and various forms of contemporary Heathenry. Hinduism, Shinto, and various African traditional religions also maintain polytheistic elements.
The belief in or worship of multiple gods or deities.
Polytheism is usually formal, academic, religious studies, anthropology in register.
Polytheism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒl.i.θiː.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑː.li.θiː.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is technical and does not feature in idiomatic expressions.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'POLY' (many) + 'THEISM' (belief in god) = belief in many gods.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELIEF SYSTEM IS A STRUCTURE (e.g., 'the structure of ancient polytheism'), DIVERSE PANTHEON IS A FAMILY/SOCIETY (e.g., 'the hierarchy of gods in Greek polytheism').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a direct conceptual antonym of 'polytheism'?