idol

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "idol" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a person or thing that is greatly admired or revered. An example is: "She has always considered her grandmother an idol." Alternative expressions include "hero" and "icon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During the subsequent eight years, the question of what sort of music it is appropriate for an Idol winner to record and release has been front and centre of Clarkson's career.

The Guardian - Music

I just auditioned for this thing that said they'd pay you, and it happened to be American Idol.

The Guardian - Music

The risks, though, are considerable – not least because if The X Factor flops, then Fox may well drop the show and concentrate its efforts on Idol.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even so, for an Idol junkie like me (I've watched the show since season one, when Kelly Clarkson was crowned America's newest pop princess), there was more than a little heartache in the announcement.

The Guardian - Music

In keeping with the responsible persona that won over grandmas across the country during his Idol run, McCreery is currently finishing college at North Carolina State University and using his summer breaks to go on tour.

The Guardian - Music

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

Whether or not American Idol will become a better show because of these changes is a different matter entirely.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Given Louis Walsh's recent assertion that Cowell doesn't plan to return to British X Factor either, UK observers will be keen to see how American Idol copes with the loss of its star player.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Is it true that as part of winning American Idol you got access to a private jet?

The Guardian - Music

(4) Carrie won season' 4 of American Idol.

The Guardian - Music

In 1985, when Freddie Mercury and Queen reigned over Live Aid, it would have seemed unthinkable that within just six years the great showman would be dead, never mind that in 2015 two of his bandmates would tour with an American Idol talent show runner-up performing the old songs.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the term's potential religious connotations. When referring to a graven image or object of worship, use "idol" with sensitivity, especially in contexts where such practices may be viewed negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "idol" too casually. While it can denote admiration, the term often implies a level of reverence or influence that might be exaggerated in everyday admiration. Consider using "role model" or "inspiration" for less intense admiration.

Linguistic Context

The word "idol" primarily functions as a noun, denoting either a revered image or a person who is greatly admired. As Ludwig AI shows, its use can range from religious contexts to describing popular figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

20%

Music

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "idol" is a versatile noun with meanings ranging from religious iconography to figures of intense admiration. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically sound and sees frequent use across varied domains like news, sports, and music. While typically neutral in register, it is important to consider the context to discern whether "idol" genuinely reflects profound reverence, or if alternatives like "role model" or "inspiration" might be more appropriate. Mindful application of the word's nuances ensures precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

role model

Focuses on the aspirational aspect of an idol, someone whose behavior is emulated.

hero

Highlights the courageous or admirable qualities of an idol.

icon

Emphasizes the symbolic representation and widespread recognition associated with an idol.

figure of worship

Directly relates to the reverence and devotion that an idol receives.

matinee idol

Specifically refers to an actor who is greatly admired, particularly for their looks.

leading light

Highlights someone of great influence and admiration in a specific field.

shining example

Focuses on the exemplary qualities and positive influence of an idol.

paragon

Emphasizes the idea of an idol as a model of excellence or perfection.

ideal

Refers to an idol as representing a perfect standard or concept.

cultural icon

Specifically denotes someone who is widely recognized and represents a particular culture or era.

FAQs

How can I use "idol" in a sentence?

You can use "idol" to refer to a person or thing that is greatly admired or revered. For example, "She has always considered her grandmother an idol", or "The statue was seen as an idol by the tribe".

What can I say instead of "idol"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "role model", "hero", or "icon".

What is the difference between "idol" and "role model"?

"Idol" often implies a higher degree of admiration or even worship, while "role model" typically refers to someone whose behavior is emulated. An idol may be someone you admire from afar, while a role model is someone whose actions you actively try to replicate.

Is it appropriate to call a celebrity an "idol"?

Yes, it is appropriate to call a celebrity an "idol" if they are greatly admired and influential. However, be mindful of the potential religious connotations and consider whether the level of admiration warrants the term. You might also consider using "cultural icon" or "matinee idol" for more specific contexts.