monotheism

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The religious belief that only one god exists, rather than many gods.

   Grammar: Used without 'a' or a plural; it names a belief system, not a countable thing.

   Patterns

   • monotheism in something
   • the rise of monotheism
   • a form of monotheism

   Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the three great monotheism traditions.

   The professor explained how monotheism developed in the ancient Near East.

   Monotheism stands in contrast to polytheism, which accepts many gods.

2. 2noununcountable

   The quality of a religion or philosophy that worships a single god.

   Grammar: Often used after 'of' to describe a particular faith or system.

   Patterns

   • the monotheism of a religion
   • strict monotheism

   The monotheism of Islam is absolute: God has no partners.

   Some scholars argue that the monotheism of ancient Israel evolved gradually.

Common combinations

strict monotheism

Many believers practice strict monotheism, rejecting any other divine beings.

the rise of monotheism

Historians study the rise of monotheism in the Eastern Mediterranean.

monotheism vs. polytheism

The textbook compares monotheism vs. polytheism in early civilizations.

a form of monotheism

Some indigenous religions show a form of monotheism alongside spirit worship.

Synonyms and how they differ

theism

Broader: belief in at least one god, including monotheism and polytheism.

deism

A specific monotheistic view where God does not intervene in the world.

Opposites

Word family

monotheist noun

A person who believes in one god.

monotheistic adjective

Describing a religion or belief that there is only one god.

Commonly confused: monotheism or polytheism?

Practice

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