cult
A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object; a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister; (as adjective) denoting a small but devoted following for a specific cultural product.
When applied to popular culture, it refers to a small, devoted, and often passionate following for something unconventional, obscure, or initially unsuccessful, which gains appreciation over time.
Word relationships
- sect: A group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs from those of a larger group to which they belong.
- clique: A small group of people, with shared interests or other characteristics, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.
- niche: A specialized segment of the market or audience.
- mainstream: The ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional.
- orthodox: Conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true; established and approved.
Commonly confused with
- fandom: A 'fandom' is a general term for a collective of fans; 'cult' implies a smaller, more intense, and often unconventional devotion, particularly to something outside the mainstream.
Word family
- cultish (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a cult, especially in being excessively devoted to a charismatic leader or cause.
Collocations
- cult classic
- cult following
- cult film
- cult figure
- religious cult
Example sentences
- "Despite its initial box office failure, 'Blade Runner' eventually achieved cult status among science fiction fans." Describing a film with a dedicated but small audience.
- "The documentary explored the origins and practices of the secretive cult that had settled in the remote mountains." Referring to a group with unusual beliefs.
Memory hook
A 'CULT' has a small but very 'COOL' following for something unique. Devoted Following
When not to use
Avoid using it for mainstream, widely popular items unless you are specifically highlighting a particularly intense subset of fans.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'cult classic' is often used for films, books, or music that were not initially successful but gained a dedicated following over time.
- The negative connotations of 'cult' are largely a 20th-century development, influenced by events like Jonestown.
- The word 'cultivate' shares the same Latin root, highlighting the idea of 'caring for' or 'nurturing' something.
Explore more words
veneration, idolatry, authoritarian, brainwash, indoctrination, worship
Also appears in
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