What does polytheism mean?
Polytheism is the belief in more than one god or the religious practice of worshiping multiple deities. It is a broad category covering many different traditions, including the organized pantheons of ancient Egypt, Greece, India, and Mesopotamia. These traditions vary widely: some regard their gods as powerful beings with distinct domains, while others see the deities as aspects or manifestations of a larger divine reality. The term is commonly contrasted with monotheism, which centers on one god, and atheism, which does not affirm the existence of gods. In cultural and religious studies, polytheism is used both for specific historical religious systems and more generally for the presence of multiple divine figures in a tradition. Because “polytheism” identifies a broad pattern rather than one uniform religion, it does not imply that all polytheistic faiths share the same beliefs or practices.
nounThe belief in, or worship of, more than one god. It may refer to a religious tradition that recognizes multiple deities or to the general principle that several gods exist.
- The belief in the existence or worship of multiple gods.
- A religious system or tradition that recognizes more than one deity.
"The ancient Egyptian religion is a well-known example of polytheism."
"Polytheism shaped the rituals and mythological traditions of many ancient societies."
"The scholar compared the movement's approach to spirituality with that of established polytheism."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon in ordinary writing.
"The study examines how polytheisms differ in their accounts of divine power."
Polytheism is not merely the opposite of monotheism: many traditions in it distinguish their gods by domain, personality, or relationship, creating complex systems of divine authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polytheism come from?
Polytheism comes from Greek roots meaning “many gods”: poly- denotes many, and theos means god. The English form developed through learned Latin and French usage during the period when scholars were systematically comparing religions. Its cognates and related terms include theist, theology, and theocracy, all of which draw on the same Greek element for god.
Related word forms
How polytheism is actually used
Generally neutral and academic. In religious studies, the term is usually contrasted with monotheism and atheism; in everyday discussion it may be used more broadly for any culture that honors several deities.
Easily confused with polytheism
Polytheism is the belief in or worship of multiple gods, whereas polytheistic is the adjective describing that belief or the practices connected with it.
Theism is belief in the existence of a god or gods, while polytheism specifically involves belief in more than one god.