1.
polytheism
The belief in or worship of multiple gods. Contrasted with monotheism. Japanese Shinto and ancient Greek religion are examples of polytheistic traditions.
神道は多神教だ。
Shinto is polytheistic.
古代ギリシャは多神教の文化だった。
Ancient Greece had a polytheistic culture.
多神教では、自然の中にさまざまな神が宿ると考えられている。
In polytheism, various gods are believed to dwell in nature.
USAGE:
The antonym is 一神教 (monotheism). 多神教 is used in academic, religious, and cultural discussions. Japan is often described as having a 多神教 tradition through Shinto.
The word breaks down as 多 (many) + 神 (god) + 教 (religion/teaching).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 多神教の文化: polytheistic culture
- 多神教的: polytheistic
- 多神教と一神教: polytheism and monotheism