Atheism

/ˈeɪθiɪzəm/

nounIntermediate📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 question

Definitions

1

The disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.

/ˈeɪθiɪzəm/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

Disbelief in the existence of God or gods

His atheism was a source of conflict with his devoutly religious family.

💡 Simply: Not believing in God.

More Examples

2

The survey revealed a rise in atheism among young adults.

How It's Used

Philosophy

"The debate about atheism versus theism has raged for centuries."

Religious Studies

"The professor lectured on various forms of atheism and their historical development."

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'theos' (god). The word emerged in the 16th century as a term to describe the disbelief in God or gods.

While the concept existed earlier, the term 'atheism' gained prominence during the Enlightenment, coinciding with increased skepticism towards religious institutions.

Memory tip

A-theism: 'A' meaning without, 'theism' meaning belief in God.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"'a-' (without) + 'theos' (god)"

militant atheismpracticing atheiststrong atheist

Common misspellings

atheisimaetheismathism

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written