What does monotheism mean?
Monotheism is the belief that there is one god or divine being, particularly as the defining belief of a religion. It contrasts with polytheism, the belief in multiple gods, and differs from monolatry, which involves worshiping one god without necessarily denying the existence of others. The term is used in religious studies, history, philosophy, and discussions of political or cultural systems, especially when comparing traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Monotheism can refer either to the general belief itself or to a particular religious tradition organized around a single deity. Its historical development is complex: many societies have combined exclusive worship of one god with beliefs or practices involving other supernatural beings. In ordinary discussion, the word is a precise formal label rather than a synonym for a personal conviction about the existence of God.
nounThe belief that there is only one god or divine being, especially as the central doctrine of a religion. The term is also used more broadly to describe religions or systems of belief that affirm a single deity.
- Belief that there is only one god or divine being, especially as a central religious doctrine.
- A religious or ideological system characterized by belief in a single deity.
"The discussion explored how monotheism differs from polytheistic traditions."
"The course examines the development of monotheism in the ancient world."
"Although the communities shared monotheistic beliefs, they followed different religious traditions."
The word is usually used as an uncountable noun; the plural is uncommon and is mainly used when contrasting different monotheistic systems.
"The study compared monotheisms that developed in different historical settings."
Monotheism names the belief in one god, but its word history pairs the Greek roots for “single” and “god”—a remarkably direct description of the idea.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monotheism come from?
The word comes from Greek monos, meaning “single” or “only,” and theos, meaning “god.” It entered English in the early modern period through Greek and Latin-derived scholarly usage. Its derivatives, including monotheist and monotheistic, retain the same Greek elements and express people or views associated with belief in one god.
Related word forms
How monotheism is actually used
The word is primarily used in historical, religious, philosophical, and comparative contexts. It is usually a formal term and is distinct from monolatry, which refers to the worship of one deity without necessarily denying other gods.
Easily confused with monotheism
Monotheism means belief in one god, while monolatry means exclusive worship of one deity without necessarily denying the existence of others.
Monotheism is a religious belief about a single god, whereas monism is the philosophical doctrine that reality consists of one fundamental substance or principle.