λατρεία
latreía
The English word "worship" is translated into Greek as λατρεία (latreía).
The noun λατρεία refers to the devotion accorded to a deity or a sacred object. It is also used to describe an intense, obsessive or ardent love and devotion directed toward a person or a thing.
Meaning: honor and adore, especially as a deity (verb)
Which one should you use?
While λατρεία implies deep adoration and devotion, it is distinct from the concept of religious duty or ritual obligation, which is expressed as καθήκον.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun λατρεία (worship) corresponds to the Greek verb λατρεύω (to worship).
How do you pronounce it?
latreía
Did you know?
- The term λατρεία is closely related to the ancient Greek word for 'hire' or 'wage', suggesting that worship was once viewed as a form of service performed for a master.
- While λατρεία implies adoration, Greek has another word for worship, προσκύνηση, which specifically describes the physical act of bowing or prostrating oneself.
- Modern Greeks often use the verb λατρεύω as a common way to say 'I love' or 'I adore' when talking about food, hobbies or people, without any religious connotation.
Examples in context
- Λατρεύω τη θεά Αθηνά, είναι τόσο όμορφη!I worship the goddess Athena, she is so beautiful!
- Στην Κύπρο, οι πιστοί συνήθιζαν να προσκυνάνε στον ναό.In Cyprus, the faithful used to worship in the temple.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are discussing their spiritual beliefs.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠώς ορίζεις τη λατρεία στην προσωπική σου ζωή;Pós orízeis ti latreía stin prosopikí sou zoí?How do you define worship in your personal life?
- Μαρία MariaΓια μένα, η λατρεία είναι μια καθημερινή σύνδεση.Gia ména, i latreía eínai mia kathimeriní sýndesi.For me, worship is a daily connection.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΣυμφωνώ, η λατρεία φέρνει εσωτερική γαλήνη.Symfonó, i latreía férnei esoterikí galíni.I agree, worship brings inner peace.
- Μαρία MariaΑκριβώς, Δημήτρη, είναι η βάση της πίστης μας.Akrivós, Dimítri, eínai i vási tis pístis mas.Exactly, Dimitris, it is the foundation of our faith.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry λατρεία, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
