zeus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zeus" is not standard in written English and may require context to be understood. You can use it in discussions about mythology, literature, or when referring to the Greek god. An example could be: "In the story, Zeus wielded his thunderbolt to assert his power." Alternative expressions could be "the god of thunder," "the king of the gods," or "the ruler of Mount Olympus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has been claimed (by Tambrun 2007 and Siniossoglou 2011) that Plethon rejected the transcendence of the highest god (Zeus), and that his theology therefore, in contrast to both the Christian and the Neoplatonic consensus, was entirely positive, but this appears dubious (see Hladký 2014).

SEP

But then there is an existing Zeus, an existing Pegasus, etc.

SEP

Yet on Russell's analysis, proper names like "Zeus" have to be replaced by definite descriptions, even in contexts other than existence claims.

SEP

Head of Zeus; £20.

The Economist

A REBEL against the gods, punished by Zeus, poor Atlas had to bear the burden of carrying the heavens on his shoulders.

The Economist

He had described Mr Pitt as the "Zeus of the field" of securities law during last year's confirmation hearings, but has now decided that "there are bigger stakes than the individuals".

The Economist

In June American authorities issued charges against the Russian mastermind behind the GameOver Zeus botnet, a sophisticated piece of malware that steals login details for people's bank accounts from infected computers and uses them to drain cash from their accounts.

The Economist

And he had the sort of management style that would have made Zeus proud.

The Economist

Indeed, Aristophanes has Socrates arguing in his thinkery that "Zeus does not even exist".

The Economist

If you are female, and thus eligible for the attentions of Zeus, you are allowed to watch the money pouring down on your head from beneath a see-through umbrella.

The Economist

Vadim Zakharov's "Danae", based on the Greek myth in which Zeus seduces Danae disguised as a golden shower, is about at least three of the seven deadly sins: greed, lust and envy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Zeus" in academic or formal writing, ensure the context clearly relates to Greek mythology or its symbolic representations. Avoid using it casually or metaphorically without establishing a clear connection to its original meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "Zeus" merely as a hyperbolic term for power or authority without acknowledging the mythological context. Overuse can dilute its specific cultural and historical significance.

Linguistic Context

The proper noun "Zeus" primarily functions as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting a specific entity: the supreme god in Greek mythology. Ludwig confirms it's usually employed when discussing ancient beliefs, literature, or historical contexts related to Greek culture. The examples found in Ludwig illustrates it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Zeus" is a proper noun of Greek origin used to denote the supreme god in Greek mythology. Ludwig confirms the usage is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in both scientific and news media contexts. The phrase primarily functions to reference a key mythological figure, whether explaining historical beliefs or analyzing literary works. While the term maintains a generally neutral to formal register, its appropriate use depends heavily on context. When using the term "Zeus", be mindful of its cultural and historical significance to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative phrases such as "Supreme Greek god" or "King of the Gods" can provide descriptive clarity in various contexts. The many examples in Ludwig, support that this name it's used and well known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Jove

Uses the Roman equivalent of Zeus, a direct synonym.

Supreme Greek god

Replaces the name with a descriptive title, emphasizing his position in the Greek pantheon.

King of the Gods

Focuses on his role as the ruler of the Olympian gods.

Ruler of Mount Olympus

Highlights his dominion and the location of his throne.

The Olympian God of Thunder

Adds more attributes and clarifies what this god is known for.

Father of gods and men

Emphasizes his role as a patriarch and progenitor.

The chief deity of the Greek pantheon

A formal way of referring to his leadership role in Greek mythology.

Sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion

Describes his main responsibilities and position in society.

Zeus, the son of Cronus

Adds family information to Zeus' name.

The god of justice, law, and order

Describes his functions and powers in society.

FAQs

How is "Zeus" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "Zeus" is used as a proper noun referring to the supreme god in Greek mythology. For example: "The ancient Greeks worshipped Zeus as the god of the sky and thunder."

What other terms can be used to refer to Zeus?

Besides "Zeus", you can refer to him as "Supreme Greek god", "King of the Gods", or, in Roman contexts, "Jove".

Is it appropriate to use "Zeus" in modern contexts beyond mythology?

Using "Zeus" in modern contexts is acceptable if the connection to Greek mythology is clear and relevant. However, using it casually might be confusing or inappropriate depending on your audience.

How does the portrayal of Zeus vary across different literary works?

The portrayal of Zeus varies widely; in some works, he is depicted as wise and just, while in others, he is portrayed as capricious and prone to infidelity. Understanding these nuances is key to accurate interpretation.