idol

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A person who is greatly admired, loved, or looked up to, often a celebrity or public figure.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'an idol' for one person and 'idols' for several.

   Patterns

   • someone's idol
   • a pop idol
   • an idol of someone

   She became a pop idol in the 1990s and still has fans all over the world.

   Many young athletes treat him as an idol and copy his training methods.

   The singer was her childhood idol, so meeting him was a dream come true.

2. 2nouncountablereligion

   An image or object that is worshipped as a god.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in religious or historical contexts.

   Patterns

   • worship an idol
   • a golden idol
   • an idol in a temple

   The ancient temple contained a golden idol of the sun god.

   In some religions, worshipping idols is forbidden.

   The explorers found a small stone idol hidden in the cave.

Word forms

Common combinations

pop idol

He was a pop idol in the 1980s, with millions of teenage fans.

worship an idol

The tribe would worship an idol made of wood and stone.

someone's idol

The young pianist said Mozart was his idol.

idol worship

Idol worship was common in many ancient cultures.

Synonyms and how they differ

hero

A hero is admired for courage or achievements, while an idol is admired often for fame or talent.

icon

An icon is a widely recognized symbol or celebrated figure; an idol is more personal and emotional.

star

A star is a famous performer or athlete; an idol can be any admired person, not necessarily famous.

Word family

idolize verb

To admire someone greatly, often too much.

idolatry noun

The worship of idols; also extreme admiration.

idolatrous adjective

Relating to idol worship or excessive admiration.

Commonly confused: idol or idle?

Practice

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