Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

monolatry

noun

ˈmɒnəˌlætri

Definition

The worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods.

Examples

In certain ancient cultures, monolatry was practiced where followers worshipped one chief god while still recognizing the presence of other gods.
For instance, the ancient Israelites exhibited monolatry when they affirmed Yahweh as their primary deity.

Meaning

Monolatry is a term that describes the practice of honoring one particular deity while acknowledging that other deities may exist. Unlike monotheism, which asserts that only one god exists, monolatry accepts the existence of multiple gods but focuses worship on one specific god.