What does monotheist mean?
A monotheist is someone who believes in one god, understood as the sole divinity or ultimate source of worship. The term may identify a follower of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, or another established monotheistic faith, but it can also describe a person's broader religious or philosophical position. In general discussion, monotheist is often paired with beliefs, traditions, or communities, while monotheistic more naturally modifies religion, worship, theology, and worldview. The word has traditionally been distinguished from polytheistic belief, which recognizes multiple gods, although a monotheist religion may include subordinate beings or angels and therefore does not necessarily imply that nothing other than the one god exists. As a social and historical label, monotheist emphasizes the central defining doctrine of a religious group. As a grammatical adjective, it is possible but less usual than monotheistic. Both forms ultimately combine the Greek elements for “one” and “god,” reflecting the word's long history in theological and philosophical discussion.
A person who believes that there is one god or only one deity.
"The early monotheist communities developed distinctive traditions of law and worship."
Usually neutral and descriptive, though historical contexts may use it polemically.
Relating to or characteristic of belief in a single god.
"The passage presents a monotheist conception of divine authority."
This use is possible but less common than the more precise and idiomatic adjective “monotheistic.”
The regular plural is used for individual adherents; the plural noun can also denote adherents collectively.
"Monotheists from several traditions gathered for the interfaith discussion."
One god, one word: a monotheist is defined by the singular power of a belief that the divine is not divided.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monotheist come from?
The word was formed in the early modern period from Greek monos, meaning “single” or “only one,” and theos, meaning “god.” It belongs to the same conceptual tradition as monotheism, monotheistic, monolatry, and other religious terms built on monos. The related English words theist and theology also ultimately derive from theos, although they do not specifically express belief in a single god.
Related word forms
How monotheist is actually used
The word is neutral and primarily descriptive. In modern usage it usually refers to a member of a recognized monotheistic religion, though it can be used more broadly for anyone who believes that only one god exists. The adjective “monotheistic” is more common when describing a religion, doctrine, or worldview than when describing a person.