henotheism

[ hen-uh-thee-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the worship of a particular god, as by a family or tribe, without disbelieving in the existence of others.
2. ascription of supreme divine attributes to whichever one of several gods is addressed at the time.

henotheism

/ ˈhɛnəʊθiːˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the worship of one deity (of several) as the special god of one's family, clan, or tribe

Derived Forms

• ˈhenotheist, noun
• ˌhenotheˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• heno·theist noun
• heno·the·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of henotheism¹

1855–60; < Greek heno-, combining form of hén one (neuter of heîs ) + theism

Word History and Origins

Origin of henotheism¹

C19: from Greek heis one + theos god

Example Sentences

There was no henotheism, no worship of several single supreme deities: One only was supreme.

From Project Gutenberg

It marks the highest point to which the Hebrew race attained in its progress from henotheism to monotheism.

From Project Gutenberg

It would thus appear almost as if all gods are one god to Mr. Frazer by a kind of scientific 'Henotheism.'

From Project Gutenberg

Henotheism, a polytheism which assigns to one god of the pantheon superiority over the rest.

From Project Gutenberg

In contrast with 'henotheism' or 'monolatry,' such as the worship of the early Hebrews.

From Project Gutenberg