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GRE vocabulary

idolatry

nounHigh-frequency wordMore I words

extreme admiration or worship of someone or something, often to an excessive degree

Word origin: From Greek eidolon, image, plus latreia, worship.

In a sentence

Idolatry in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing idolatry in a sentence.

Critics accused the celebrity culture of encouraging idolatry rather than genuine appreciation of talent.

The biographer warned against the idolatry that turns a flawed leader into a flawless saint.

Synonyms
venerationadulationworship
Antonyms
contemptdisdainirreverence
Usage & nuance

Using “idolatry” well

Idolatry means worship of idols, and figuratively, excessive, uncritical admiration of a person or thing. The figurative sense implies devotion so extreme it borders on the unreasoning.

Keep going

More GRE words starting with I

iconoclast

a person who attacks cherished beliefs or established institutions

iconoclastic

attacking or undermining traditional beliefs and institutions

idealistic

guided by ideals rather than by practical considerations

idiosyncrasy

a peculiar habit or feature distinctive to an individual

idolatrous

excessively or blindly devoted to something or someone

idolize

to admire or revere someone to an excessive degree

idyllic

charmingly peaceful and free of trouble

ignoble

lacking nobility of character; dishonorable

Common questions

Questions about “idolatry”

Idolatry (noun) means extreme admiration or worship of someone or something, often to an excessive degree
Here is idolatry used in an example sentence: "Critics accused the celebrity culture of encouraging idolatry rather than genuine appreciation of talent." Another example: "The biographer warned against the idolatry that turns a flawed leader into a flawless saint."
Common synonyms for idolatry include veneration, adulation, worship.
Antonyms of idolatry include contempt, disdain, irreverence.
Clusters with veneration, adulation, and worship, opposed by contempt, disdain, and irreverence. On the GRE it signals admiration carried to an excessive, almost reverent degree.
Yes. Idolatry is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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