Atheist
/ˈeɪθiɪst/
nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning2 questions
Definitions
1
A person who does not believe in God.
/ˈeɪθiɪst/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.
He identified himself as an atheist.
💡 Simply: Someone who doesn't believe in God.
More Examples
2
Many atheists find meaning and purpose in life without religion.
How It's Used
Philosophy
"The philosopher argued for the existence of God against the atheist's position."
Religious Studies
"The study examined the beliefs and practices of atheists and theists."
From Greek ἄθεος (átheos, "godless"), from ἀ- (a-, "without") + θεός (theós, "god"). The word entered English in the 16th century.
The term 'atheist' has historically carried negative connotations, often associated with accusations of immorality or societal disruption.
Memory tip
A-theist: A (without) theist (believer in God).
Word Origin
LanguageGreek
Original meaning
"without God"
Base: atheist
ardent atheistcommitted atheistconvinced atheist
Common misspellings
atheisttatheisaetheist
Practice
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written