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Glite Dictionary
mithraistic

mithraistic

9.9
Of an ancient secret religion that worshipped a god and met underground
  • adjective
: mitraico
  • The rituals of the mithraistic cult often took place in secluded caves or crypts.

Examples

  • Archaeologists found several mithraistic symbols carved into the stones of the underground temple.

  • Several Roman soldiers were followers of mithraistic traditions during the empire's peak.

  • The mithraistic rituals were shrouded in secrecy.

  • Many scholars study mithraistic symbolism in ancient texts.

  • The rituals of the mithraistic cult were performed in underground temples dedicated to the god Mithras.

  • Scholars often explore the mithraistic practices that were popular among Roman soldiers.

  • Numerous artifacts have been discovered that provide insight into mithraistic beliefs and ceremonies.

Synonyms

Mithraic
vsmithraistic
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Relating to the ancient religion that worships the god Mithras

focuses on its being a mystery cult centered on a single god

Surface Forms

mithraistic positive

Morphology

mithraistic = Mithra (transparent) = mithra + istic

The adjective is formed by a standard adjective-forming suffix and directly means 'relating to Mithra/Mithraism', so the relation is predictable.

Etymology

Mithraistic comes from the name of the ancient god Mithra, also called Mithras. It means 'relating to the worship and secret rituals of that god', so mithraistic describes things connected to that old religion and its practices.