Use worship for religious devotion in both private and public settings. It can name prayer, song, ritual, praise, or a whole service, depending on the tradition.
Use worship for religious devotion in both private and public settings. It can name prayer, song, ritual, praise, or a whole service, depending on the tradition.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| We went worship on Sunday. | We went to worship on Sunday. |
| The church has worships at ten. | The church has worship at ten. |
| They made a worship to God. | They worshipped God. |
Use worship as a verb with a direct object, as in worship God, or without an object when the religious act is understood. The spelling worshipped and worshipping is common in British English, while worshiped and worshiping is common in American English.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| They worship to God. | They worship God. |
| She worship in the temple every morning. | She worships in the temple every morning. |
| The community worshipped for the ancestors. | The community worshipped the ancestors. |
Use worship figuratively when admiration feels extreme. It can be affectionate, as in a fan admiring an artist, or critical when someone treats a person, idea, or thing as beyond question.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| I worship this sandwich a little. | I really like this sandwich. |
| He worships to that singer. | He worships that singer. |
| They are worshipping money too much. | They worship money too much. |
Worship is neutral in religious contexts but strong in figurative use. Choose admire, respect, or like when the feeling is not extreme.
Worship to God should usually be worship God. In noun use, worship is often uncountable, so a worship is usually not natural.
From Old English weorthscipe, meaning worthiness, honor, or dignity, formed from weorth, worth, plus -scipe, a suffix like modern -ship. The religious sense developed from the idea of giving honor or worth.
What does worship mean?
Worship means religious devotion, or more generally intense admiration for someone or something.
Is worship a noun or a verb?
It is both. Worship can mean the act of devotion, or the action of showing that devotion.
Do you say worship God or worship to God?
The usual pattern is worship God, without to before the object.
What does place of worship mean?
A place of worship is a building or space used for religious prayer, ritual, or devotion.
Can worship be used outside religion?
Yes. It can mean to admire someone or something very intensely, as in fans worship the singer.
What are synonyms of worship?
Depending on the sense, synonyms include devotion, adoration, reverence, praise, idolize, and venerate.
What are the forms of worship?
Common forms include worships, worshipped or worshiped, and worshipping or worshiping.