sun-god

The sun-god statue stood atop the ancient temple.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A deity representing the sun: "sun-god" refers to a god or goddess who is associated with or personifies the sun, often worshipped in various mythologies and religions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In ancient Egyptian mythology, Ra was the principal sun-god. (Ra was the primary deity representing the sun.)
  • The Aztecs offered sacrifices to their sun-god to ensure the sun's daily journey. (They performed rituals for the sun deity.)

Advanced Usage

• "to worship a sun-god": to engage in religious devotion or ritual focused on a sun deity.

  • Many early civilizations built temples to worship a sun-god. (They constructed sacred buildings for sun-related religious practices.)

• "sun-god imagery": visual symbols or representations of a sun deity.

  • The ancient coins featured sun-god imagery with rays of light. (The coins depicted symbols of a sun deity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sun-goddess (n): a female deity representing the sun.

  • In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu is the sun-goddess. (Amaterasu is the female sun deity.)

• Solar deity (n): a broader term for any god or goddess associated with the sun.

  • Solar deities appear in cultures worldwide. (Sun gods and goddesses are found globally.)

Synonyms

• Sun deity: a god or goddess associated with the sun.
• Solar god: a god of the sun.

Related Idioms

• No direct idioms exist for "sun-god", as it is a specific mythological term. However, related phrases include:
  • "Like a sun-god": used metaphorically to describe someone with radiant or powerful qualities.

    • He strode into the room like a sun-god, commanding attention. (He entered with impressive, sun-like authority.)

Cultural Notes

• Common sun-gods: Examples include Ra (Egyptian), Apollo (Greek), Inti (Incan), and Surya (Hindu). These figures often symbolize life, power, and light.