chief god

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief god" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the main deity or god worshipped in a particular religion or belief system. Example: In Hinduism, Vishnu is considered the chief god, while in Greek mythology, Zeus holds the title.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The chief god of Kalakh was Ninurta, god of war and the hunt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ahura Mazdā ("Wise Lord") was probably the chief god of the pre-Zoroastrian pantheon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Makemake was the chief god among people who settled the island.

The New York Times

It was designed to connect Marduk [the chief god of Babylon] to Earth and man".

The Guardian

The chief god of the city of ancient times was Horus of the Winged Disk, called the Behdetite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Balder, Old Norse Baldr, in Norse mythology, the son of the chief god Odin and his wife Frigg.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Some of the chief gods, for example, have no clear Indo-European or Indo-Iranian counterparts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the Vedic religion the chief gods were Indra, the king of the gods; Agni, the fire god; and Soma, the god associated with the hallucinogenic soma plant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He reappears in the Kingdom of Urartu as Tesheba, one of the chief gods, and in Urartian art he is depicted standing on a bull.

Britannica

The common categories into which the omens of Enūma Anu Enlil were considered to fall were four, named after the chief gods involved in the ominous communication: Sin, Shamash, Adad, and Ishtar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The existence of rulers known only from king lists may sometimes be confirmed by the discovery of their seals, and in some cases rulers are known only from their seals, which, because they often mention the names of their fathers, the cities that they ruled, and the chief gods that they served, form a valuable historical source.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a specific religion or mythology, accurately identify the "chief god" by name to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "Zeus, the chief god of the Greek pantheon."

Common error

Avoid assuming that every polytheistic religion has a single "chief god". Some pantheons are structured with multiple prominent deities or lack a clear hierarchical structure. Research thoroughly before applying the term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief god" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies or describes a specific deity recognized as the most important within a particular religious or mythological system. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms this usage with numerous examples across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

31%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chief god" effectively denotes the most prominent deity in a polytheistic religion. Grammatically correct and commonly used, as supported by Ludwig AI, it's prevalent in encyclopedic and news contexts. Alternative phrases include "principal deity" and "supreme god", offering nuanced ways to express the same concept. When employing this term, ensure accurate attribution to avoid misrepresenting religious structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal deity

Replaces "god" with "deity" and "chief" with "principal", emphasizing the primary status of the divine figure.

supreme god

Substitutes "chief" with "supreme" to highlight the unparalleled authority and power of the deity.

main god

Uses "main" instead of "chief", offering a more straightforward and less formal alternative.

primary god

Replaces "chief" with "primary", focusing on the deity's fundamental importance.

head god

A more direct and informal substitution, indicating leadership within a pantheon.

ruling god

Emphasizes the deity's power and control over other gods or aspects of the world.

foremost god

Highlights the deity's position as the most important or respected.

leading god

Similar to "ruling god", but with a focus on guidance and influence.

overlord god

Implies a more hierarchical and dominant role of the deity.

dominant god

Highlights the deity's prevailing influence and power within a religious system.

FAQs

What does the term "chief god" mean?

The term "chief god" refers to the most important or dominant deity in a polytheistic religion or pantheon. This god typically holds the highest position of power and authority over other gods and the world.

How can I use "chief god" in a sentence?

You can use "chief god" in a sentence like this: "In Norse mythology, Odin is regarded as the "chief god", ruling over Asgard and all the other gods."

What is another way to say "chief god"?

Alternatives to "chief god" include "principal deity", "supreme god", or "main god". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is there a difference between "chief god" and "god"?

Yes, while "god" is a general term for a deity, "chief god" specifies the most important or highest-ranking god within a pantheon. Not all religions have a single "chief god"; some may have multiple major deities or a less hierarchical structure.