Meaning & use
idols
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“idols” is a form of “idol”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nouncountablereligion
Statues or other objects that people worship as gods.
Grammar: Countable; use 'an idol' for one, 'idols' for more than one.
Patterns
- worship idols
- an idol of a god
In ancient times, people prayed to idols made of stone and wood.
The temple was filled with golden idols.
The Bible warns against worshipping idols.
nouncountable
Someone greatly admired, especially a famous performer or athlete.
Grammar: Countable; often used with 'pop', 'teen', 'sports', etc.
Patterns
- a pop idol
- someone's idol
She became a pop idol after winning the singing competition.
Many young athletes see him as their idol.
The fans screamed when their idol appeared on stage.
Word forms
| singular | idol |
|---|
Common combinations
- pop idol
- The pop idol sold millions of records worldwide.
- worship idols
- The ancient tribe used to worship idols in the forest.
- teen idol
- He was a teen idol in the 1990s.
- fallen idol
- The scandal turned the politician from a hero into a fallen idol.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hero
- A hero is admired for courage or achievements, while an idol is admired often for fame or popularity.
- icon
- An icon is a widely recognized symbol or person; an idol is more personal — someone you look up to.
- star
- A star is a famous performer; an idol can be any admired person, not necessarily famous.
Word family
Commonly confused: idols or idle? idols or idea?
idols vs idle
'Idle' means not working or lazy; 'idol' is an object of worship or an admired person.
idols vs idea
'Idea' is a thought or plan; 'idol' is a person or thing that is worshipped or admired.
Practice
In which sentence does 'idols' mean 'objects of worship'?
Choose one answer.
Only option B refers to physical objects of worship. Options An and D refer to admired people, and option C uses the verb 'idolizes'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “idols”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.