Godless: meaning, definitions and examples

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godless

[ˈɡɒdləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

religion

Not accepting or acknowledging the existence of God; irreligious.

Synonyms

atheistic, irreligious, unbelieving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
godless	Often used pejoratively to describe societies, people, or behaviors that lack religious beliefs or are perceived as morally corrupt due to the absence of religious influence. Many lament the 'godless' state of modern society The concept of a godless community troubled the conservative townspeople
irreligious	Appropriate for describing attitudes or behaviors indifferent or hostile to religion, without necessarily being outright atheistic. It may portray a broader disinterest in any religious practice or belief. His irreligious attitude made family gatherings with his devout relatives quite uncomfortable In her irreligious household, holidays were more about tradition than faith
atheistic	Use in contexts where there is a clear denial or disbelief in the existence of gods. This word often is used within philosophical, scientific, or intellectual discussions. His atheistic views often lead to interesting debates with his religious friends The atheistic perspective on the origins of the universe is based on scientific evidence
unbelieving	This term often describes a personal, subjective state of doubt or lack of belief, and is less formal and less philosophical than 'atheistic'. It is often used in general conversations or emotional contexts. She looked at the miracle with an unbelieving expression Despite many years of religious education, he remained unbelieving

Examples of usage

He was raised in a godless household where religion was never discussed.
The godless philosopher argued against the existence of a higher power.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

morality

Lacking moral principles; wicked or evil.

Synonyms

immoral, sinful, unprincipled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
godless	This word is often used to describe people or societies that do not believe in or worship a god. It can have a negative connotation, especially in religious contexts. The village was described as godless after its inhabitants lost their faith. She doesn't go to church anymore and lives a godless life.
immoral	This term is often used to describe actions or behavior that go against moral standards or societal ethics. It has a strong negative connotation. Stealing from the elderly is considered highly immoral. He was fired for his immoral behavior at work.
sinful	This word is typically used in religious contexts to describe actions or behaviors that go against the rules or commandments of a religion. It also has a strong negative connotation. In their religion, gluttony is considered a sinful act. He sought forgiveness for his sinful ways.
unprincipled	This term is used to describe someone who lacks moral principles or scruples. It has a negative connotation and is often used in contexts related to ethics and integrity. An unprincipled politician is not to be trusted. She refused to be part of their unprincipled scheme.

Examples of usage

The godless criminal showed no remorse for his actions.
The godless behavior of the dictator led to widespread suffering.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'godless' originates from combining 'god' and the suffix '-less', which signifies a lack of something.
The word has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe a lack of divine preference.
Earlier forms of the word can be seen in Middle English texts, reflecting a growing commentary on faith and disbelief.

Philosophy

Philosophically, a godless perspective often aligns with atheism, which argues against the existence of deities.
Many philosophical texts encourage critical thinking about the existence of a higher power, promoting secular humanism as an alternative moral framework.
The concept of being godless can lead to deep discussions about the basis of morality and ethics without divine influence.

Literature

Many literary works explore the theme of being godless, including the existential writings of authors like Nietzsche, who questioned traditional beliefs.
In Shakespeare's works, characters often grapple with their faith and existential questions, reflecting the tension between belief and disbelief.
Contemporary authors also address the challenges of a godless existence, looking at how characters navigate life without divine guidance.

Cultural Impact

The term has been embraced in various cultural movements advocating for secularism, especially during the Enlightenment.
In modern times, 'godless' has been used in popular culture, often to challenge or critique established religious norms.
Numerous films and songs highlight the tension between belief and skepticism, showcasing stories of characters who identify as godless.

Psychology

Research in psychology suggests that identifying as godless can influence one's worldview and approach to life's challenges.
Individuals who consider themselves godless may find meaning and purpose through personal achievements, relationships, or humanitarian goals.
There is a growing discussion in mental health about the impact of spiritual and non-spiritual beliefs on well-being and personal fulfillment.

Translations

Translations of the word "godless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem Deus

🇮🇳 नास्तिक

🇩🇪 gottlos

🇮🇩 tanpa Tuhan

🇺🇦 безбожний

🇵🇱 bezbożny

🇯🇵 神を信じない

🇫🇷 sans Dieu

🇪🇸 sin Dios

🇹🇷 tanrısız

🇰🇷 신 없이

🇸🇦 بدون إله

🇨🇿 bezbožný

🇸🇰 bezbožný

🇨🇳 无神论的

🇸🇮 brezbožni

🇮🇸 guðlaus

🇰🇿 құдайсыз

🇬🇪 უღმერთო

🇦🇿 tanrısız

🇲🇽 sin Dios

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,019, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24016 deform
24017 unkempt
24018 ovation
24019 godless
24020 unreserved
24021 planed
24022 ruffians
...