god
gb/ɡˈɑd/ us/ɡˈɑd/
A2
English
~ 1600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
A deity or divine being
A powerful being that people believe controls the world and is worshipped.
Usage pattern:
[someone] worships [a god]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'God' (capitalized, referring to the single deity in monotheistic religions) with 'a god' (lowercase, one of many deities in polytheistic beliefs).
Synonyms
deity (More formal or literary term for a god; used in scholarly or comparative religion contexts.)
Antonyms
mortal (Refers to a human who is subject to death, unlike a god.)
Collocations
worship God
|believe in God
|pray to God
|God Almighty
|God and goddess
Themes
religion
|mythology
|culture
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Many ancient civilizations believed in more than one god.
- She prayed to the god of the sea for safe travel.
- In Greek mythology, Zeus is the king of the gods.
- Some people find comfort in the idea that God watches over them.
Learner examples
- People in many countries believe in God.
- The temple was built for a god.
- They prayed to their god for help.
- God is important in many religions.
Noun
informal
B1
entity
2
A man admired like a deity
A man who is very good at something or very attractive.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a [something] god
Common mistake:
Learners may take this meaning literally instead of as an exaggeration for admiration.
Synonyms
idol (Emphasizes public admiration and fame, but may not imply extraordinary skill.)
Antonyms
novice (A beginner with little skill, opposite of someone admired for great skill.)
Collocations
rock god
|football god
|movie god
Themes
sports
|arts
|popular culture
|relationships
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He’s considered a guitar god by his fans.
- After that performance, she called him a cooking god.
- In the world of basketball, he's a god.
Learner examples
- He is a football god.
- She thinks he is a movie god.
- He became a guitar god after many years.
Noun
literary
B2
entity
3
A statue representing a deity
A statue or picture made to show a god.
Synonyms
idol (Specifically refers to an object representing a deity, often used critically in some religions.)
Collocations
stone god
|golden god
|statue of a god
Themes
religion
|art
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The temple housed a golden god in its inner chamber.
- They offered flowers to the stone god.
- Ancient craftsmen carved wooden gods for worship.
Learner examples
- They saw a golden god in the temple.
- The people made a stone god.
- There is a big god in the shrine.
Grammar
Dictionary form
god
IPA
GB/ɡˈɑd/
US/ɡˈɑd/
Syllables & stress
god (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (god)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: god
- Plural: gods
Word family
Expressions
act of God
1/ˈækt əv ɡˈɑd/
fixed phrase
formal
Uncontrollable natural event causing damage
A natural event that people cannot stop, like an earthquake or storm.
Examples
- The insurance does not cover damage from acts of God.
- Flooding from the hurricane was considered an act of God.
for God's sake
1/fɚ ɡˈɑdz sˈeɪk/
fixed phrase
informal
Expression showing annoyance or urgency
Used to show you are annoyed or want something done quickly.
Examples
- For God's sake, turn off that alarm!
- Stop shouting, for God's sake!
God willing
1/ɡˈɑd wˈɪlɪŋ/
fixed phrase
If circumstances allow it to happen
Used to say something will happen if nothing stops it.
Examples
- We’ll see you next week, God willing.
- God willing, we will finish the project on time.
God forbid
1/ɡˈɑd fɚbˈɪd/
idiom
Expression hoping something won't happen
Used to say you hope something does not happen.
Examples
- God forbid we ever have another war.
- God forbid something happens to the children.
God forbid
2/ɡˈɑd fɚbˈɪd/
idiom
I strongly hope not
Used to say you really hope something does not happen.
Examples
- If the power goes out—God forbid—we have a backup generator.
- God forbid anything happens to the kids on the trip.
thank God
1/θˈæŋk ɡˈɑd/
fixed phrase
informal
Express relief or gratitude
Used to show you are happy or feel safe because something bad did not happen.
Examples
- Thank God it didn’t rain during the wedding.
- Thank God you’re safe.
thank God
2/θˈæŋk ɡˈɑd/
fixed phrase
Expression of relief or thanks to God
Used to say you are happy or relieved about something.
Examples
- Thank God you’re safe!
- Thank God we finished before it rained.