n[
Language: Old English;]
Godthe spirit or
being who Christians, Jews, Muslims etc pray to, and who they believe created the universe
Most Americans still believe in God .Nothing could shake his belief in God .He thought it was the will of God that he should suffer. We believe that the Bible is the word of God . Every day is a gift from God .[C]a male spirit or
being who is believed by some religions to control the world or part of it, or who represents a particular quality
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goddessgod of Mars, the god of warRoman/Greek etc godGod's gift to sb/sthsomeone who thinks they are perfect or extremely attractive - used to show disapproval
Paul thinks he's God's gift to women.[C]someone who is admired very much
To his fans he is a god.[C]something which you give too much importance or respect to
Money became his god.the godsa) the force that some people believe controls their lives, bringing them good or bad luck
The gods are against us.b)BrE informal old-fashioned the seats high up and at the back of a theatre
God/oh (my) God/good God/God almightyspoken used to emphasize what you are saying, when you are surprised, annoyed, or amused
Oh God, how embarrassing!for God's sakespoken used to emphasize something you are saying when you are annoyed
For God's sake, shut up!I swear/hope/wish/pray to Godspoken used to emphasize that you promise, hope etc that something is true
I hope to God nothing goes wrong.God forbid (that)spoken used to say that you very much hope that something will not happen
God forbid that this should ever happen again.God (only) knowsspokena) used to show that you are annoyed because you do not know something, or because you think that something is unreasonable
God (only) knows who/what/how etc God knows what she's doing in there. It'll cost God only knows how much.b) used to emphasize what you are saying
God knows, it hasn't been easy.what/how/where/who in God's namespoken used to emphasize a question when you are angry or surprised
Where in God's name have you been?God help you/him etcspoken used to warn someone that something bad will happen
God help you if you spill anything on the carpet.God help usspoken said humorously when you think that something bad is going to happen
'Simon's doing the cooking.' 'God help us!'honest to Godspoken used to emphasize that you are not lying or joking
Honest to God, I didn't tell her!God willingspoken used to say that you hope there will be no problems
We'll be moving next month, God willing.God blessspoken used to say that you hope someone will be safe and happy, especially when you are saying goodbye
Good night and God bless.God give me strength!spoken used when you are becoming annoyed
there is a God!spoken said when someone is explaining that something very good happened to them at a time when they thought that their situation was very bad
In walked four gorgeous, blond Swedish boys, and I thought, 'There is a God!'God rest his/her soulalsoGod rest him/herspoken old use used to show respect when speaking about someone who is dead
by Godspoken old use used to emphasize how determined or surprised you are
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there but for the grace of Godatgrace1 (6)
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in the lap of the godsatlap1 (6)
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play Godatplay1 (8)
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thank God/goodness/heavensatthank
COLLOCATES for sense 1believe in Godworship Godpray to Godbelief/faith in GodGod's will/the will of God (=what God wants to happen)
the word of God (=what God says)
gift from/of GodAlmighty God/God Almighty (=used in prayers and hymn s)
HINT sense 1In this sense,
God is written with a capital letter and without 'the':
We asked God (NOT the God) to help us. Expressions containing the word God such as
oh my God are common in spoken English but can offend religious people.
WORD FOCUS: Godplaces where people worship God:
church (=Christians)
temple (=Buddhists and Hindus)
mosque (=Muslims)
synagogue (=Jews)
treated with great respect because of being connected with God:
holy, sacredhaving strong beliefs in God:
devout, pioussomeone who does not believe in God :
atheistsomeone who is not sure if God exists:
agnosticSee also: spiritual