worshiping
Meaning
(present participle or gerund) Showing reverence and adoration for a deity or sacred object.
(present participle or gerund) Having or showing great admiration or devotion for someone or something.
Structure
Usage
The congregation was worshiping in the ancient cathedral.
She spent her youth worshiping her favorite rock star, covering her walls with his posters.
Many cultures have traditions of worshiping ancestors.
Etymology
The word 'worship' originates from the Old English compound weorþscipe, which literally meant "the condition of being worthy, honor, dignity." The first element, weorþ, is related to the concept of value and worthiness, while the suffix -scipe denoted a state or condition. Over time, the meaning evolved from general honor and respect to specifically denote the honor and reverence due to a divine being. The modern verb form 'worshiping' (or 'worshipping') retains this core idea of ascribing supreme worth or honor, now extended to both religious devotion and intense secular admiration.
Analysis
- wor: From Old English weorþ, meaning "worth, value, price". It denotes the concept of worthiness. - ship: From Old English -scipe, a suffix forming nouns denoting state, condition, or quality. - ing: From Old English -ende, -unge, a suffix used to form the present participle or gerund.