God

Definition

God is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the supreme being, creator, or deity worshipped in monotheistic and polytheistic religions. It can also denote a figure of high reverence or power in a non-religious sense. As a verb (less common), it means to idolize or revere someone or something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (rare)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡɑːd/
• Respelling: GAH-d

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡɒd/
• Respelling: GOD

Etymology

The word "god" originates from Old English "god," stemming from Proto-Germanic "*gudan," and Proto-Indo-European "*ghut-," meaning "that which is invoked." The term has evolved across languages and cultures, maintaining its association with divine or supreme beings.

Derivatives

• Godly (adjective)
• Goddess (noun)
• Godhead (noun)
• Godlike (adjective)
• Godsend (noun)

Synonyms

• Deity
• Divinity
• Creator

Antonyms

• Human
• Atheism (conceptual)
• None

Usage

The noun "god" is used in religious, cultural, and metaphorical contexts, e.g., "They prayed to their God for guidance." As a verb, it appears rarely, such as "He was godded by his followers."

Related Terms

• Religion: A system of faith and worship.
• Worship: Acts of reverence or adoration for a deity.
• Divinity: The state or quality of being divine.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The supreme being or deity in monotheistic religions: Refers to the God worshipped in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
  • Example: "The believers prayed to God for strength."
• A deity in polytheistic religions: Refers to a specific god or goddess in religions with multiple deities.
  • Example: "Zeus is the chief god in Greek mythology."
• A person or thing of supreme value or influence: Used metaphorically for admiration or reverence.
  • Example: "He is considered a god of the music industry."

Verb (rare)

• To idolize or revere as a god: Describes treating someone or something with supreme admiration.
  • Example: "The fans godded him for his achievements."