-latry
suffix
UK/ˈlæ.tri/ or /ˈleɪ.tri/US/ˈlæ.tri/ or /ˈleɪ.tri/
Used to form nouns denoting worship, adoration, or excessive devotion toward a particular object, being, or concept (from Greek ‘latreía,’ meaning ‘worship’ or ‘service’). Common examples include ‘idolatry’ (the worship of idols), ‘bibliolatry’ (excessive reverence for the Bible or books), and ‘hagiolatry’ (the worship of saints).
Example Sentences
Practitioners of idolatry often faced criticism and even persecution in societies that held strict monotheistic beliefs.
Hagiolatry underscores the profound respect some religious communities have for canonized figures, reflecting their desire to emulate the holy virtues of revered saints.
In certain philosophical texts, bibliolatry is critiqued as an overreliance on established canons, discouraging critical thinking and fresh perspectives.
While many see modest decorations in places of worship as symbolic, more skeptical observers interpret lavish embellishments as bordering on the idolatry of material beauty.
The term '-latry' points directly to worship or deification, distinguishing devout reverence from simple admiration or respect.
Some modern commentators label extreme fandom of celebrities as a form of ‘star-latry,’ reflecting the near-religious devotion fans display toward their idols.
Zoolatry, an archaic term for the worship of animals, can be observed in various ancient cultures that personified certain creatures as sacred or divine mediators between humans and gods.
Although the suffix '-latry' may appear infrequently in everyday language, its strong connotation of ‘worship at an intense or even uncritical level’ enables speakers and writers to describe extreme reverence, thereby illuminating the cultural, religious, or psychological significance that certain icons, books, or beings hold within different societies.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'worship' or 'excessive devotion to.'The suffix '-latry' is used to form nouns that describe worship or excessive devotion to a particular thing, person, or concept. Examples include 'idolatry' (worship of idols or excessive admiration), 'necrolatry' (the worship of the dead), and 'cultus' (the practice or devotion to a particular god or deity). It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting overzealous or inappropriate devotion.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-latry' include phrases like 'worship of' or 'excessive admiration for,' such as 'worship of idols' for 'idolatry.'
Writing
In writing, '-latry' is used to express the concept of worship or excessive adoration, often in critical or descriptive contexts. For example, 'celebrity idolatry' critiques the extreme devotion people may have to celebrities.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-latry' is rarely used directly. Simpler terms like 'worship' or 'obsession' are more common for general audiences.
