zoroastrianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency, specializedAcademic, historical, religious, formal
Quick answer
What does “zoroastrianism” mean?
One of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra) in ancient Persia, centered on the cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda (the supreme god of good) and Angra Mainyu (the destructive spirit).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra) in ancient Persia, centered on the cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda (the supreme god of good) and Angra Mainyu (the destructive spirit).
The religious tradition, philosophy, and cultural system based on the teachings of Zoroaster, emphasizing good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. It is characterized by concepts such as free will, eschatology, heaven and hell, and the veneration of fire as a symbol of purity and truth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, though British contexts may have more historical ties to India and the Parsi community due to colonial history.
Connotations
Historical, ancient, philosophical, dualistic. In contemporary discourse, it's often referenced as a precursor or influencer of Abrahamic religions.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British academic/historical texts due to UK's historical connection with India and the Parsi community.
Grammar
How to Use “zoroastrianism” in a Sentence
Zoroastrianism [VERB: flourished, originated, teaches, declined]Zoroastrianism in [NOUN: Persia, India, antiquity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “zoroastrianism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Zoroastrian communities
- Zoroastrian scriptures
- Zoroastrian fire temples
American English
- Zoroastrian beliefs
- Zoroastrian diaspora
- Zoroastrian rituals
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of corporate responsibility drawing on its ethical triad (good thoughts, words, deeds).
Academic
Common in religious studies, history, and philosophy, discussing its influence on Western and Middle Eastern thought.
Everyday
Rare; used when discussing world religions, history, or Persian/Iranian culture.
Technical
Used in theology, comparative religion, and Iranian studies with precise reference to doctrines, rituals, and history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “zoroastrianism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “zoroastrianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “zoroastrianism”
- Misspelling as 'Zorastrianism' (dropping the second 'o').
- Incorrectly labeling it as polytheistic or purely fire-worshipping.
- Using lowercase 'z'. It is a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they do not worship fire itself. Fire is revered as a powerful symbol of Ahura Mazda's truth, purity, and divine light. It is a focal point for prayer and ritual.
Yes, it is primarily dualistic in a cosmic moral sense, positing an ongoing struggle between the supreme god of good, Ahura Mazda (or Ohrmazd), and the destructive spirit of evil, Angra Mainyu (or Ahriman).
Its largest communities are in India (where followers are called Parsis), Iran, and there are diaspora communities in North America, the UK, and Australasia.
The primary religious texts are the Avesta, which includes the Gathas—hymns considered to be the direct words of the prophet Zoroaster.
One of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra) in ancient Persia, centered on the cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda (the supreme god of good) and Angra Mainyu (the destructive spirit).
Zoroastrianism is usually academic, historical, religious, formal in register.
Zoroastrianism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌzɒrəʊˈæstrɪənɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌzɔːroʊˈæstriənɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The fire of Zoroastrianism (referring to its enduring legacy)”
- “A Zoroastrian dualism (referring to a stark moral dichotomy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Zoro-ASTRIAN-ism: Think of an ancient ASTRonomer (star-gazer) in Persia who founded a religion based on cosmic light (fire) vs. darkness.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION IS A COSMIC BATTLE; MORALITY IS A PATH OF PURITY (FIRE).
Practice
Quiz
What is a central symbol in Zoroastrian worship?