What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
theism
Example
Theism is the belief in one God who created and governs the universe. [theism: noun]
Example
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are examples of theistic religions. [theistic: adjective]
polytheism
Example
Hinduism and ancient Greek religion are examples of polytheistic beliefs. [polytheism: noun]
Example
The Aztecs practiced polytheistic worship, with many gods and goddesses for different aspects of life. [polytheistic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Theism is more commonly used in everyday language than polytheism. This is because theism is often associated with major world religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, which have a significant influence on global culture and history. Polytheism, on the other hand, is less common in modern times but has been an important part of many ancient civilizations and cultures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between theism and polytheism?
Theism is generally considered more formal than polytheism. This is because theism is often associated with major world religions that have a long history of scholarship and theological debate. Polytheism, on the other hand, is often associated with ancient or indigenous religions that may not have the same level of formal study or academic recognition.
