noun

henotheism

HEN-oh-thee-iz-uhm

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Henotheism (noun) means Belief in or worship of one deity while accepting that other deities exist. Example: “Some ancient religions practised henotheism, honouring one chief god without denying others.”

noun

Belief in or worship of one deity while accepting that other deities exist.

"Some ancient religions practised henotheism, honouring one chief god without denying others."

"Scholars debate whether early Israelite religion began as a form of henotheism."

"Henotheism differs from monotheism because it does not deny other gods' existence."

How to use henotheism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHenotheism means focusing worship on one god while admitting other gods might exist too.

When to use it

It is a formal academic term used in religious studies and philosophy.

Memory tip

Link heno- (one) with theism to recall it means centring on one god without ruling out others.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

monotheism → monolatrism

Common pairings

a form of henotheism henotheism versus monotheism practise henotheism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “henotheism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Some ancient religions practised _____, honouring one chief god without denying others.

Etymology

The word was coined in German as Henotheismus in the nineteenth century by the philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von Schelling. It combines the Ancient Greek word for one with the German word for theism, which itself traces back to the Ancient Greek word for god.

Origin: German

Antonyms

monotheism

Related words

atheism monotheism polytheism

Rhymes for henotheism

theism atheism pandeism

See all rhymes for henotheism →

Frequently asked questions

What does henotheism mean?

It means worshipping or believing in one god while still accepting that other gods exist.

Who coined the term henotheism?

The German philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von Schelling coined the term Henotheismus in the nineteenth century.

How is henotheism different from monotheism?

Monotheism denies that other gods exist, while henotheism worships one god without denying others.

What is the meaning of henotheism?

"henotheism" (noun) means belief in or worship of one deity while accepting that other deities exist.

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