atheist
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/ˈeɪ.θi.ɪst/
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A person without belief in any gods, or a description of people, beliefs, and viewpoints connected with that position.
Examples
An atheist perspective was included in the discussion.
The court held that atheists deserve the same freedom of conscience as religious people.
He is an atheist, although he remains interested in religious history.
The survey asked whether each respondent was a believer, an atheist, or unsure.
Several atheists joined the interfaith group in supporting the shelter.
Similar words
nontheistic
atheistic
nonbeliever
nontheist
Meanings
Examples
She has identified as an atheist since university.
The survey asked whether each respondent was a believer, an atheist, or unsure.
He is an atheist, although he remains interested in religious history.
Several atheists joined the interfaith group in supporting the shelter.
Her parents are atheists, but they encouraged her to study many religions.
The court held that atheists deserve the same freedom of conscience as religious people.
As an atheist, he does not take part in worship.
Examples
The archive preserves letters by several atheist writers.
They founded an atheist student society on campus.
The philosopher defended an atheist account of morality.
Her atheist beliefs did not prevent friendships with religious neighbours.
An atheist perspective was included in the discussion.
The museum documented both religious and atheist movements.
He grew up in an atheist household.
Etymology
From French athéiste, ultimately based on Greek átheos, meaning ‘without a god’, from a- ‘without’ and theos ‘god’.
FAQ
An atheist is a person who does not believe in any god or gods.
Can atheist be an adjective?
Yes. Atheist can describe a person, group, belief, or viewpoint connected with atheism.
What is the plural of atheist?
What is the difference between atheist and agnostic?
Atheist concerns belief in gods, while agnostic concerns knowledge or certainty. A person may use both labels.
Does atheist mean opposed to religion?
No. An atheist lacks belief in gods but is not necessarily hostile to religion.
Are atheist and atheistic both correct adjectives?
Yes. Atheist is common before nouns such as writer or community, while atheistic often describes ideas or systems.
What is the opposite of atheist?
The direct opposite is theist, a person who believes in a god or gods.
Is atheist the same as secular?
No. Secular means nonreligious or separate from religion, while atheist specifically concerns belief in gods.
Is atheist formal or informal?
Atheist is neutral and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
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