monotheism
MON-uh-thee-iz-uhm
/ˈmɒnəʊˌθiːɪzəm/
The doctrine or belief that there is only one God.
Refers specifically to religions or doctrines asserting a single supreme god, distinct from polytheistic traditions.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 17th century by English philosopher Henry More, combining Greek 'mono-' (single) with 'theos' (god) to contrast with polytheism.
Word relationships
- unitarianism: Refers specifically to a theological movement rejecting the Trinity, whereas monotheism is the broader belief in one God.
- polytheism: Belief in multiple gods rather than a single supreme god.
Commonly confused with
- henotheism: Henotheism worships one primary god while acknowledging other gods exist; monotheism denies the existence of other gods.
Word family
- monotheist (noun): A person who believes in only one God.
- monotheistic (adjective): Relating to or characterized by the belief in one God.
Collocations
- strict monotheism
- rise of monotheism
- monotheism and polytheism
Example sentences
- "Judaism is widely recognized as one of the earliest historical examples of strict monotheism." Comparative Religious History
- "The shift from regional polytheism to imperial monotheism fundamentally reshaped ancient political structures." Sociological Analysis
Memory hook
MONO means ONE, THEISM means belief in God. Mono-theism = belief in ONE God. One god, single focus.
When not to use
Do not use to describe general spiritual belief without specifying belief in a single God.
Fun facts
- The term monotheism was created relatively recently in the 1660s to facilitate philosophical debates.
Related words
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