teraphim: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Academic, Theological, Literary
Quick answer
What does “teraphim” mean?
Small household idols or images, often used for divination or as protective deities in ancient Semitic cultures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Small household idols or images, often used for divination or as protective deities in ancient Semitic cultures.
In modern usage, it can refer to any revered but potentially idolatrous objects or symbols, especially in theological or historical discussions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of ancient idolatry, paganism, and biblical history.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general use. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic/theological writing due to the influence of the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.
Grammar
How to Use “teraphim” in a Sentence
[Subject] consulted the teraphim.[Subject] possessed household teraphim.The teraphim of [Possessor] were stolen.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in archaeology, religious studies, and biblical scholarship to describe ancient Near Eastern artefacts and practices.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A technical term in the fields mentioned above.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “teraphim”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “teraphim”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “teraphim”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a teraphim'). It is grammatically plural. Confusing it with 'seraphim' (a type of angel).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural, though it can refer to a single idol or a collection. There is no commonly used singular form in English.
It is a Hebrew plural noun (תְּרָפִים) that entered English via the Greek of the Septuagint and Latin translations of the Bible.
It would be highly unusual and obscure. Its use is almost entirely confined to academic, theological, or literary contexts discussing ancient history or religion.
Teraphim specifically denote household or family idols, often smaller and used for personal or familial divination and protection, as opposed to large public idols in temples.
Small household idols or images, often used for divination or as protective deities in ancient Semitic cultures.
Teraphim is usually formal, academic, theological, literary in register.
Teraphim: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛrəfɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛrəfɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TERA' (like a huge number) + 'PHIM' (sounds like 'figures in my home'). A huge number of little figures in an ancient home.
Conceptual Metaphor
TERAPHIM ARE HOUSEHOLD GUARDIANS / TERAPHIM ARE TOOLS FOR SEEING THE FUTURE (divination).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'teraphim'?