English Reference

Word

goddess

Phoneticsgod·dess, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɡɑdəs/

UK/ɡˈɒdɛs/

Definitions

01female deity

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Religion

n. a female god in a religion or mythology.

n. a female deity worshipped within a polytheistic religious system.

“Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom and war.”

“The temple was dedicated to the goddess of the harvest, where farmers would leave offerings in hopes of a fertile season.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

god

02admired woman

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a woman who is greatly admired for being very beautiful or talented.

n. a woman who is idolised or adored, typically for her physical beauty, grace, or exceptional intelligence.

“The fans treated the famous singer like a goddess.”

“In the golden age of Hollywood, the studio marketed her as a screen goddess to ensure her films were commercial successes.”

Synonyms

03powerful woman

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Humorous

n. a woman who has a lot of power, authority, or influence.

n. a woman possessing substantial authority or influence in a specific field or social circle.

“In the fashion world, the magazine editor was seen as a total goddess.”

“She moved through the corporate headquarters with the confidence of a goddess, knowing her decisions could shift the entire market.”

Synonyms

Etymology

From Middle English goddesse, equivalent to god + -ess, formed about 1350. The figurative meaning is first found in Edmund Spenser's Shepheardes calender (1579). Displaced Old English gyden.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Idioms

Domain

Religion

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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