Definition

Adjective: Relating to or characterized by polytheism; worshipping or believing in more than one god.

Usage

The word polytheistic is used to describe religions, beliefs, systems, or societies that recognize and worship multiple deities. It is the opposite of monotheistic.

Examples

• Ancient Greek and Roman religions were polytheistic.
• Hinduism is often described as a polytheistic religion, though it has complex philosophical underpinnings.
• The polytheistic traditions of the culture involved rituals for many different gods and goddesses.

Advanced Usage

• Polytheistic worldview: A perspective that sees the divine as manifest in many forms and entities.
  • His research focuses on the polytheistic worldview of pre-colonial societies.
• Polytheistic revival: A modern movement to reconstruct or practice ancient polytheistic religions.
  • The polytheistic revival includes groups dedicated to Norse and Celtic pantheons.

Variants and Related Words

• Polytheism (noun): The belief in or worship of more than one god.
  • Polytheism was common in the ancient world.
• Polytheist (noun): A person who believes in or worships more than one god.
  • She identifies as a polytheist.

Synonyms

• Pagan (adj/n): Often used historically or broadly for polytheistic, pre-Christian, or nature-worshipping religions.
• Heathen (adj/n): An archaic or sometimes pejorative term for polytheistic or non-Abrahamic religious beliefs.

Antonyms

• Monotheistic (adj): Believing in or worshipping a single god.
• Atheistic (adj): Believing that no gods exist.

Adjective

1. worshipping or believing in more than one god