Vocabulary Spotlight

Deity

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A god or goddess; a divine being worshipped by people in various religions.

“In mythology, Zeus is considered the supreme deity of the Greek pantheon.”

Pronunciation

[dee-i-tee]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

God
Divinity
Immortal
Supreme being
Creator

Antonyms

Mortal
Human
Individual
Creature
Person

Related Words

Divine (adjective)
Deify (verb)
Pantheon (noun)

Word Origin

“Deity” originates from the Latin “deitas,” meaning “divine nature” or “godhood.” It was used to describe gods or divine figures in various belief systems.

Word Family

Verb: Deify – To treat as a god or exalt to divine status.

Adjective: Divine – Pertaining to god-like qualities or sacred attributes.

Mnemonics

Think “deity” as “divine entity” – a being with god-like qualities or worshipped as a god.

Industry-specific Usage

Religion

In religion, deity refers to a god or goddess that people worship or seek blessings from.

Mythology

In mythology, deities often represent different aspects of life, such as love, war, and wisdom.

Literature

Deities appear in literature as symbols of power, often influencing events or guiding protagonists.

In Context

The concept of a deity is central to many religions, symbolizing higher powers or ideals. Deities represent the divine and influence culture, beliefs, and human values across history.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which of these is a synonym for “Deity”?

God
Mortal
Person
Creature

‘God’ is correct, as deity refers to a god-like or divine being.

2. Fill in the blank: The temple was built in honor of a _______ worshipped by the locals.

mortal
human
deity
person

‘Deity’ is correct, as it refers to a divine or god-like being that is worshipped.

3. In which context is “deity” most relevant?

Economics
Sports
Fashion
Religion

‘Religion’ is correct, as the concept of deities is fundamental to various religious practices.