What does "mariolatry" mean?
Adoration or veneration of the Virgin Mary to an extent regarded as inappropriate or even idolatrous.
Mariolatry
/ˌmɛːɹiˈɒlətɹi/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Adoration or veneration of the Virgin Mary to an extent regarded as inappropriate or even idolatrous.
- Grammar: mariolatry is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: apologetics, divinity, dogmatics, eschatology.
- Usage evidence: For, though it were a knowen corruption, and therefore ſhould haue beene auoyded; yet [Robert] Bellarmine in muſtering vp the Fathers authorities, for proofe of the reading, ipſa (the beſt ground of their Mariolatrie) brings in [John] Chryſoſtom in the rereward.
How to use "mariolatry"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "mariolatry" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "mariolatry" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "mariolatry" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "mariolatry" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "apologetics" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Adoration or veneration of the Virgin Mary to an extent regarded as inappropriate or even idolatrous. countable, derogatory, uncountable
"For, though it were a knowen corruption, and therefore ſhould haue beene auoyded; yet [Robert] Bellarmine in muſtering vp the Fathers authorities, for proofe of the reading, ipſa (the beſt ground of their Mariolatrie) brings in [John] Chryſoſtom in the rereward."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"For, though it were a knowen corruption, and therefore ſhould haue beene auoyded; yet [Robert] Bellarmine in muſtering vp the Fathers authorities, for proofe of the reading, ipſa (the beſt ground of their Mariolatrie) brings in [John] Chryſoſtom in the rereward."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "mariolatry"?
Common synonyms include: apologetics, divinity, dogmatics, eschatology, hagiography, immaculate conception.
How do you use "mariolatry" in a sentence?
For, though it were a knowen corruption, and therefore ſhould haue beene auoyded; yet [Robert] Bellarmine in muſtering vp the Fathers authorities, for proofe of the reading, ipſa (the beſt ground of their Mariolatrie) brings in [John] Chryſoſtom in the rereward.
How do you pronounce "mariolatry"?
Pronounced /ˌmɛːɹiˈɒlətɹi/.
Etymology
From Latin Marīa or English Mary (“the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ”) + -o- + -latry, modelled after idolatry. The English word is cognate with French mariolâtrie, Italian mariolatria, Late Latin mariolatria.