A divine being or god, especially one that is worshipped or considered to have supernatural powers.
From Latin 'deitas' meaning divine nature, from 'deus' (god), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European root *dyeu- meaning 'to shine' (relating to sky/daylight). The word entered Middle English through Old French, initially referring to the quality of being divine before meaning a divine being itself.
The etymology of 'deity' connects to the ancient human association of divinity with light and the sky - the same root gives us 'Zeus,' 'Jove,' and even 'Tuesday' (from Tyr, a Germanic sky god). This reveals how many cultures independently associated their highest gods with celestial brightness and power.
Religious language often defaults 'God' to masculine pronouns despite theological genderlessness. When discussing specific deities, gendered assumptions embed spiritual authority as male-dominated.
Use 'deity' neutrally or specify the actual gender presentation of a particular religious figure; avoid defaulting 'they/them' unless discussing multiple or genuinely agender concepts.
["divine being","sacred figure","transcendent entity"]
Many traditions center female divine power (Shakti, Hecate, Brigid, etc.), yet Western theology erased goddesses; acknowledging female-presenting deities restores historical spiritual authority.
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