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Glite Dictionary
symbol-worship

symbol-worship

9.9
Giving too much value to symbols instead of what they stand for
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪmbəlˌwɜrʃɪp/
translation icon : adoración de símbolos
  • The history class discussed how symbol-worship shaped the culture of ancient civilizations.

Examples

  • The sect's focus on symbol-worship was criticized by reformers seeking deeper meaning.

  • Many criticize the symbol-worship in modern religions.

  • Some philosophers argue that symbol-worship can distract believers from true spiritual experience.

  • Is symbol-worship a common issue in today's society?

  • Some philosophers argue that symbol-worship can distract believers from true spiritual experience.

  • The sect's focus on symbol-worship was criticized by reformers seeking deeper meaning.

  • Many criticize the symbol-worship in modern religions for its potential to overshadow genuine faith.

Synonyms

idolatry
vssymbol-worship
9 9.0

Worship of images or objects as gods

focuses on treating signs as objects of devotion rather than objects as gods
idol worship
vssymbol-worship
1 7.8

Praying to statues or pictures as if they were gods

emphasizes reverence for symbolic meaning instead of literal divinity
fetishism
vssymbol-worship
  • Specialized
1 9.8

Belief that objects have special powers and deserve worship

focuses on symbolic meaning rather than belief in object magic
symbololatry
vssymbol-worship
9.9

Excessive worship of symbols like pictures or icons

is the same idea expressed with a different term form
symbolatry
vssymbol-worship
  • Archaic
9.9

A strong respect for objects or signs that stand for ideas

is the same meaning presented with another lexical form
iconolatry
vssymbol-worship
  • Specialized
9.9

Worship of religious images like pictures and statues

is broader, applying to symbols beyond just religious images
iconism
vssymbol-worship
9.9

A practice of worshipping religious images like paintings or statues

covers symbolic worship more generally, not only image veneration
fetichism
vssymbol-worship
  • Archaic
9.9

A belief that people worship an object because they think it has magic power

is about revering symbols for meaning rather than for magical power

Antonyms

iconoclasm
  • Formal
1 9.9

To attack or reject widely held beliefs and institutions, for example religious images and traditions

Surface Forms

symbol-worship singular
symbol-worships plural

Morphology

symbol-worship = symbol + worship (transparent) = symbol + worship

Meaning is directly the combination of 'symbol' and 'worship' (worship of symbols), which a learner can derive from the components.

Etymology

Symbol-worship comes from the parts symbol and worship: symbol is from a Greek idea of a 'sign' or 'token' (like two matching pieces used to show a connection), and worship comes from an old English idea of showing 'worth' or honor. So symbol-worship means giving honor to a sign itself instead of to what the sign stands for.