deity

A deity is a being regarded as divine or sacred, typically a god or goddess, who is worshiped, invoked, or revered within a religious tradition. Deities are thought to possess supernatural power, immortality, and influence over aspects of the natural world, human affairs, or moral order. They may be conceived as personal beings with will and intention, or as impersonal forces manifested in various forms. In many cultures, deities appear in myths, rituals, temples, and prayer, and may be associated with specific domains such as rain, fertility, warfare, or wisdom.

Etymology and usage: the term deity is a broad scholarly label for divine beings across traditions. It is cognate with the Greek theos and the Sanskrit deva, all tracing to Proto-Indo-European roots referring to the divine or celestial. In everyday language, speakers distinguish between a specific deity (a god or goddess) and the broader concept of deity as ultimate divinity or sacred power.

Varieties and roles: religious systems differ in their conception of deities. Monotheistic traditions posit a single, supreme God; polytheistic systems recognize multiple deities with distinct responsibilities and personalities. Some beliefs describe deities as manifestations or aspects of a single ultimate reality (henotheism, monism), while others view deities as immortal, morally complex beings capable of benevolence or harm. Deities often function as creators, guardians, mediators, or exemplars for ethical conduct and cosmic order (dharma, karma, or moral law).

scholarly context: in anthropology, religious studies, and philosophy, deities are studied as cultural and historical constructs as well as phenomena that may be interpreted as real agents by adherents. Theories range from treating deities as socio-cultural models to exploring arguments for their objective existence, depending on methodological perspective.