Definition of God
Quick Meaning of God
A powerful being that people worship and believe has created the world or controls natural events.
Detailed Definition of God
A supernatural being or spirit worshipped as having power over nature and human affairs.
How to Pronounce God
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The 'a' sound is like in 'father' or 'palm'. It's one syllable with a short vowel before the final consonant sound.
Watch out: Often mispronounced with the short 'a' from 'cat' instead of the long 'a' from 'father'.
Origin and Etymology of God
Old English 'god', Germanic root meaning 'that which is invoked'.
How to Use God in a Sentence
Each example shows “god” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Many cultures have different gods with special powers.”
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“She prays to God every morning before work.”
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“The ancient Greek gods were depicted in many artworks and myths.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of God
Common Synonyms for God
Smart Synonyms for God — When to Use Each
- spirit
- for supernatural or non-physical being in general contexts
- supreme being
- for the highest power in monotheistic religious discussions
Common Collocations with God
These phrases pair with “god” in everyday English:
- believe in God
- pray to God
- Greek gods
- worship God
- thank God
Common Mistakes When Using God
Even fluent speakers slip up with “god”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She prayed to the God for forgiveness.
- ✓ Correct: She prayed to God for forgiveness.
- Why: Do not use 'the' before 'God' in monotheistic contexts; 'God' functions as a proper noun.
- ✗ Wrong: Gods is worshipped by many peoples.
- ✓ Correct: Gods are worshipped by many peoples.
- Why: Plural 'gods' takes plural verb 'are', not singular 'is'.
Other Forms of God
Frequently Asked Questions About God
What is the meaning of "God"?
A powerful being that people worship and believe has created the world or controls natural events.
How do you pronounce "God"?
The IPA is /ɡɑːd/. The 'a' sound is like in 'father' or 'palm'. It's one syllable with a short vowel before the final consonant sound.
What part of speech is "God"?
"God" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "God"?
Common synonyms include spirit, divine power, supreme being.
How do you use "God" in a sentence?
For example: "Many cultures have different gods with special powers."