not divine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not divine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not godly or heavenly, often in a comparative context. Example: "The artwork was beautiful, but its themes were decidedly not divine, focusing instead on human struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is it that slavery is not divine; that God did not establish it; that our doctors of divinity are mistaken?

Huffington Post

Ethics, not divine revelation, is the guide to life.

The New York Times

But Fisher was not divine; she was very, very human.

The Guardian - Arts

Opera deals in human emotions, not divine and ethereal ones.

The New York Times - Books

Visions of witches had diabolical, not divine, origins.

The New York Times

The two-state solution is not divine in origin.

The New York Times

(Islam considers Jesus human, and prophetic, but not divine).

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's not divine, as image is, Untouchable, untransmutable, wholly magic.

The New Yorker

But the king of Israel was not divine, neither while on the throne nor after death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whatever spark is within us is not divine, but all-too-human.

The New York Times

Such a person if not divine would be a sorcerer and a ­fanatic.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not divine", ensure the context clearly establishes the comparison or contrast with something that is considered divine or sacred. This provides clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "not divine" when a simpler term like "human" or "secular" more accurately conveys the intended meaning. Overusing the phrase can sometimes sound unnecessarily dramatic or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not divine" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, typically used to negate or contrast the characteristics of something with those associated with divinity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to emphasize the human, secular, or ordinary nature of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not divine" serves as a clear and direct way to negate the divine qualities of a subject, emphasizing its secular, human, or mundane nature. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. As shown in the provided examples, it is frequently found in contexts where a contrast is being drawn between the sacred and the profane, the spiritual and the earthly. While commonly used, especially in news and media, its specific impact should be considered when writing, opting for simpler alternatives if they suffice. The versatility of the phrase and the breadth of its usage make it an important tool in precise and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human

Highlights the earthly and imperfect nature, contrasting with the divine.

non-sacred

Directly indicates the absence of sacredness.

secular

Focuses on the non-religious aspect.

earthly

Similar to human but emphasizes the physical world.

natural

Highlights that something is part of the physical world, not supernatural.

mundane

Emphasizes ordinariness and lack of special qualities.

unholy

Implies a lack of holiness or purity.

profane

Indicates a lack of reverence or sacredness.

non-celestial

Indicates a lack of connection to heaven or the heavens.

temporal

Relates to worldly matters rather than spiritual ones.

FAQs

What does "not divine" mean?

The phrase "not divine" means lacking the qualities or characteristics associated with a god or deity. It implies something is earthly, human, or secular rather than sacred or heavenly.

How can I use "not divine" in a sentence?

You might say, "The origins of the tradition were human, "not divine", arising from practical needs rather than religious beliefs."

What's the difference between ""not divine"" and "secular"?

"Not divine" specifically denies a connection to a deity, while "secular" simply indicates something is not religious or spiritual in nature. "Secular" is a broader term.

Are there any synonyms for ""not divine""?

Yes, alternatives include "human", "earthly", "secular", or "mundane", depending on the specific context.