What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
henotheist
Example
The ancient Greeks were henotheists, worshipping different gods for different purposes. [henotheists: noun]
Example
She is a henotheist who believes in multiple gods but only prays to one. [henotheist: adjective]
monotheist
Example
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are monotheistic religions. [monotheistic: adjective]
Example
He is a devout monotheist who believes in the oneness of God. [monotheist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Monotheism is more commonly practiced and recognized than henotheism. Monotheism is the foundation of several major world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, while henotheism is a less common belief system.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between henotheist and monotheist?
Both henotheism and monotheism are formal terms used in religious studies and philosophy. However, monotheism is more widely used and recognized, making it a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.