cult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of people with shared beliefs or practices, often with a negative connotation related to unorthodox or extreme views. Example: "The organization was often labeled a cult due to its secretive nature and the intense loyalty it demanded from its members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After independence in 1991, President Saparmurat Niyazov built a cult of personality, adopting the title Turkmenbashi – the father of all Turkmen.

The Guardian

While he has dismantled Niyazov's personality cult, he has maintained an authoritarian leadership style and has adopted the honorific title of arkadag – protector.

The Guardian

The series had become a cult before anyone paid much attention to the music.

The Guardian - Music

As a teenager in California he had devoured Musto's Village Voice columns and been thunderstruck by seeing Arias sing Billie Holiday songs in 1988 cult documentary Mondo New York.

The Guardian - Music

Many city tours are either generic, big-group walks – in which you are fed dry facts with no particular theme – or super-cheesy, "we're-not-like-the-other-tours" experiences, where you are guided by someone wearing a trilby and strumming a ukelele while telling tales of local cult legends.

The Guardian - Travel

But in France, where the bandes dessinées are a national cult, it is hard to find outside the International Herald Tribune, or the US military paper Stars And Stripes, which was the first paper that tried to drop the strip as "too political".

The Guardian

His extensive filmography includes the cult movies, Mad Dog Morgan, The Return of Captain Invincible and Howling II.

The Guardian - Film

Even non-believers have been moved by the radicalism of his message, decrying runaway materialism, "unbridled capitalism" and a cult of money that he condemns as latter-day idol worship.

The Guardian

He continued to enjoy success in the industry, gaining cult status in recent years and performing at Glastonbury festival several times.

The Guardian

(Lynch's plan for a 90-acre site comprising a film studio, cinema, gallery, offices and bar in an abandoned power plant in Łódź – the city that also inspired the cult director's film Inland Empire – is expected to open in 2016).

The Guardian

68ff8d24-c6e8-45f4-8dbd-c453d458b9c9 If anyone's to blame for the modern-day cult of "personal productivity" – the ceaseless barrage of books and listicles promising tips for keeping your head above water in our hyper-busy era – then it's probably David Allen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "cult", be mindful of its connotations. It often implies that a group's beliefs or practices are considered unusual, dangerous, or manipulative by outsiders. Ensure that your usage accurately reflects the situation and avoids unnecessary sensationalism.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling any group with a strong interest as a "cult". The term carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations involving extreme devotion, manipulation, or isolation from mainstream society. Otherwise, consider using words like "community", "following", or "fanbase".

Linguistic Context

The word "cult" functions primarily as a noun to denote a specific group with shared beliefs and practices, or as an adjective to describe something related to or having a dedicated following. Ludwig indicates the term is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cult" is widely used, as indicated by Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples. While grammatically correct, it carries significant connotations, often suggesting that a group's beliefs or practices are unorthodox or even dangerous. As Ludwig AI states, its use should be carefully considered to ensure accuracy and avoid unnecessary alarmism. The related phrases offer alternatives that may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When describing groups with intense dedication, consider if "cult" accurately reflects the situation, or if terms like "community" or "fanbase" would be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sect

This term more directly relates to a subgroup within a larger religious or philosophical movement, often with distinct practices.

faction

Describes a smaller group within a larger organization, united by specific beliefs or goals.

movement

Refers to a group of people working together to advance particular ideas or aims.

following

This emphasizes the group of people who admire or support someone or something.

obsession

Highlights the intense preoccupation with a particular idea, activity, or person.

craze

Indicates a widespread but often short-lived enthusiasm for something.

vogue

Refers to something that is fashionable or popular at a particular time.

phenomenon

Describes something remarkable or significant that has gained widespread attention.

devotees

Emphasizes fervent followers or admirers of a particular thing or person.

fanbase

Denotes the group of people who are fans of a particular person, team, or entertainer.

FAQs

How can I use "cult" in a sentence?

You can use "cult" to describe a group with unorthodox beliefs or practices, as in "The organization was often labeled a cult due to its secretive nature.". It can also refer to something with a dedicated following, such as "The movie has gained a cult following over the years".

What are some alternatives to using the word "cult"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "sect", "movement", or "following". The best choice depends on the specific nuances you want to convey.

What distinguishes a "cult" from a "religion"?

While both involve shared beliefs and practices, "cult" often implies a more isolated and controlling environment, with a charismatic leader and a tendency toward manipulation. "Religion" typically refers to a more established and widely accepted system of faith.

Is it always negative to describe something as having a "cult following"?

Not necessarily. While the term "cult" can have negative connotations, "cult following" often simply implies that something has a dedicated, albeit niche, group of fans. For example, a "cult classic" movie may be highly regarded by a small but passionate audience.