demigod
Meaning
A being in mythology who is partly divine and partly human.
A person who is so greatly admired or respected that they seem almost godlike.
Structure
Usage
In Greek myths, Heracles is a famous demigod, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman.
The legendary warrior was revered as a demigod by his people.
Some fans treat the brilliant scientist like a demigod of innovation.
Etymology
The word 'demigod' is a compound formed from the French-derived prefix 'demi-' and the native English word 'god'. The prefix 'demi-' traces back to Latin dimidius, meaning "divided in the middle" or "half." This concept was used in classical mythology to describe offspring of a union between a deity and a mortal, possessing a hybrid nature. Over time, the meaning extended metaphorically to describe a human of such extraordinary talent or charisma that they are elevated to a near-divine status in the eyes of others, blending the literal and figurative senses of "partial divinity."
Analysis
demi: From Latin dimidius (half), via Old French demi-. A prefix meaning "half" or "partial." god: From Old English god, of Proto-Germanic origin, referring to a deity or supreme being. The core element of the word.