Atheist: meaning, definitions and examples

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atheist

[ˈeɪθiɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

belief

A person who does not believe in the existence of God or gods.

Synonyms

agnostic, nonbeliever, skeptic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
atheist	An atheist is someone who does not believe in the existence of any gods. This word is typically used when emphasizing a person's firm disbelief in a deity. John is an atheist and does not attend any religious services
nonbeliever	A nonbeliever is a general term for someone who does not subscribe to any religious beliefs. It is less specific than 'atheist' and can encompass atheists, agnostics, and other individuals who do not follow a religion. Mike identifies as a nonbeliever and prefers to focus on scientific explanations for the world
skeptic	A skeptic is someone who tends to question or doubt accepted beliefs or claims, including religious ones. This word can be used more broadly to describe a person who questions all kinds of beliefs and assertions. As a skeptic, Emma always asks for evidence before accepting any claim, whether religious or scientific
agnostic	An agnostic is someone who is unsure about the existence of gods or believes that it is impossible to know for certain. This word is used when someone is open to the possibility but lacks belief or disbelief. Sarah calls herself agnostic because she thinks it's impossible to prove whether deities exist or not

Examples of usage

He identified as an atheist and did not follow any religion.
She was raised in a religious family but later became an atheist.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophy

A person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.

Synonyms

godless, infidel, irreligious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
atheist	Used to describe someone who does not believe in the existence of any deities. This term is often used in a neutral or descriptive context, without strong negative or positive connotations. She identifies as an atheist and does not attend any religious services Many prominent scientists throughout history have been atheists
infidel	Typically used in a historical or religious context to describe someone who does not believe in one's own religion. This term has strong negative connotations and is often pejorative. During the Crusades, Christians and Muslims referred to each other as infidels The term infidel has been used to label those of differing beliefs throughout history
irreligious	Describes someone who has no religious beliefs or practices without strongly implying disbelief in the existence of gods. It is usually neutral, but can have a slight negative tinge when used by the religious. She considers herself irreligious and does not involve herself in any religious activities The community was largely irreligious, focusing more on secular values
godless	Carries a negative connotation and is used to describe someone or something that is considered to be without god, often implying moral deficiency or lack of spiritual values. Common in religious or moral discussions. The villagers thought of him as godless because he never participated in religious festivals His godless behavior worried his deeply religious family

Examples of usage

The debate between the theist and the atheist was intense and thought-provoking.
Her atheist views were shaped by her study of philosophy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'atheist' comes from Greek roots: 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'theos' meaning 'god'.
In English, 'atheism' began to be commonly used around the 16th century, during a time of increasing questioning of religious doctrines.

Historical Context

Throughout history, atheists have often faced persecution, particularly in religious societies, such as during the Inquisition.
The Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century spurred many to criticize religious authority and promote reason.

Pop Culture

Notable public figures, like physicist Stephen Hawking and author Isaac Asimov, identified as atheists and contributed widely to science and literature.
The term is often featured prominently in discussions about science and religion in movies, documentaries, and books, exploring themes of belief and skepticism.

Science

Surveys indicate that many scientists identify as atheists, reflecting a reliance on empirical evidence over faith.
Studies in psychology suggest that atheism can correlate with higher levels of critical thinking and skepticism.

Literature

Several influential literary works, like those of Friedrich Nietzsche and Bertrand Russell, challenge religious beliefs, advocating for secular worldviews.
Atheism is a prominent theme in many modern novels, exploring the human experience independent of divine influence.

Translations

Translations of the word "atheist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ateu

🇮🇳 नास्तिक

🇩🇪 Atheist

🇮🇩 ateis

🇺🇦 атеїст

🇵🇱 ateista

🇯🇵 無神論者

🇫🇷 athée

🇪🇸 ateo

🇹🇷 ateist

🇰🇷 무신론자

🇸🇦 ملحد

🇨🇿 ateista

🇸🇰 ateista

🇨🇳 无神论者

🇸🇮 ateist

🇮🇸 trúleysingi

🇰🇿 атеист

🇬🇪 ათეისტი

🇦🇿 ateist

🇲🇽 ateo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,156, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19153 coldest
19154 dissuade
19155 magnify
19156 atheist
19157 nullify
19158 skew
19159 matte
...