What does idolatrously mean?
Idolatrously is an adverb meaning “with excessive or worshipful admiration.” It describes devotion so strong that the person admired is treated almost as a perfect hero, celebrity, or object of worship. The word commonly appears in discussions of popular culture, fandom, politics, and celebrity culture, where it can be either admiring or critical depending on context. For example, saying that fans idolatrously followed a singer may praise their enthusiasm, while saying that a society idolatrously worships wealth criticizes the values that society places above everything else. Because “idolatrously” contains the idea of worship, it is more intense than simply saying that someone is very fond of or admires another person. The adverb is derived from “idolatrous,” an adjective meaning excessively devoted to an idol or something treated as one.
adverbIn a manner characterized by excessive or devoted admiration, often resembling worship.
- With excessive devotion or admiration, often to the point of treating someone or something as a perfect hero or object of worship.
"The team celebrated the victory idolatrously, treating their captain as a figure of almost mythical importance."
"Fans idolatrously devoted themselves to the young singer after the concert."
"The novel portrays a society that idolatrously worships wealth and status."
Calling someone an idol is complimentary; calling them an idolatrously admired idol adds a hint that the admiration may be excessive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does idolatrously come from?
The word belongs to the family of English “idol,” which comes through Latin from Greek eidōlon, meaning an image or representation, and in Christian usage an object of worship. The longer form developed through forms associated with idolatry and idol-worship, combining the idea of an idol with terminology for devotion to it. “Idolatrously” is the adverb formed from the adjective “idolatrous,” and its modern figurative use preserves the sense of treating someone or something with near-religious devotion.
How idolatrously is actually used
Usually carries a mildly critical or ironic tone, suggesting that the admiration is excessive or unreasonable. It can be used literally for worshiping an idol, but is more commonly figurative.