Definitions
- Describing the practice of admiring or idealizing someone or something. - Referring to the tendency to put someone on a pedestal and view them as perfect or flawless. - Talking about the act of idolizing a person, object, or idea.
- Referring to the worship of idols or images as gods. - Describing the practice of giving excessive devotion or reverence to someone or something. - Talking about the act of putting something or someone above God or religious beliefs.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the act of placing someone or something above others.
- 2Both words can involve excessive devotion or admiration.
- 3Both words can have negative connotations when taken to an extreme.
What is the difference?
- 1Religious context: Idolatry is often used in a religious context, while idolism can be used in both religious and non-religious contexts.
- 2Degree of devotion: Idolatry implies a higher degree of devotion or worship than idolism.
- 3Connotation: Idolatry has a more negative connotation than idolism, as it is often associated with the worship of false gods or putting something above religious beliefs.
- 4Usage: Idolism is a less common word than idolatry and may not be familiar to many English speakers.
Remember this!
Idolism and idolatry both refer to the act of placing someone or something above others. However, idolatry specifically refers to the worship of idols or images as gods, while idolism is a broader term that can refer to the practice of admiring or idealizing someone or something. Idolatry has a more negative connotation and is often used in a religious context, while idolism can be used in both religious and non-religious contexts.
