ayatollahs - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

ayatollahs

|a-ya-tol-las|

🇺🇸

/ˌaɪəˈtoʊləz/

🇬🇧

/ˌaɪəˈtɒləz/

(ayatollah)

Shia religious leader

Base Form	Plural
ayatollah	ayatollahs

Etymology

Etymology Information

'ayatollah' originates from Persian, specifically the word 'āyatollāh', where 'āyat' meant 'sign' and 'allāh' meant 'God'.

Historical Evolution

'āyatollāh' transformed into the modern English word 'ayatollah'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'sign of God', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a high-ranking Shia cleric'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a high-ranking title given to Shia clerics recognized for their scholarly and spiritual leadership.

The ayatollahs have significant influence in Iran's political system.

Synonyms

Examples

Last updated: 2025/06/05 19:36