Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Secular Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌍
Add to dictionary

secular

[ˈsɛkjʊlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in society

denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis

Synonyms

non-religious, temporal, worldly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
secular

Used to describe something that is not connected to religious or spiritual matters, often referring to institutions, activities, or ideologies.

  • The education system in many countries is secular
  • The government is required to maintain a secular stance
worldly

Describes things related to everyday life and material concerns, as opposed to spiritual or religious matters. It often implies experience or sophistication in practical affairs.

  • He gave up his worldly possessions to join a monastery
  • She is very worldly for someone so young
temporal

Used when distinguishing worldly or earthly matters from spiritual or eternal ones, often in more formal or academic discussions.

  • The temporal concerns of the city's government
  • Philosophers often debate the temporal versus the eternal
non-religious

Refers to people, actions, or things that are not influenced by religion or do not practice religious beliefs. This term is straightforward and commonly used in everyday language.

  • She identifies as non-religious
  • The event was a non-religious celebration

Examples of usage

  • secular buildings
  • secular music
Context #2 | Noun

education

a secular priest

Synonyms

lay, non-religious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
secular

Used to describe things that have no connection to religion, such as activities, ideas, organizations, or societies.

  • The country has a secular government that separates state and religion.
  • He is more interested in secular literature than religious texts.
non-religious

Used to directly indicate a lack of religious affiliation, belief, or involvement. Often used in discussions about personal beliefs and identity.

  • He identifies as non-religious and prefers not to participate in spiritual ceremonies.
  • The non-religious segment of the population is growing steadily.
lay

Used to describe people who are not members of the clergy or other religious orders. It indicates that someone does not have professional clerical training or responsibilities.

  • As a lay person, she found the theological discussion hard to follow.
  • The church seeks volunteers, both clergy and lay, to help with community services.

Examples of usage

  • the secular clergy
Context #3 | Noun

time

not bound by monastic vows or rules; not belonging to or living in a monastic or other religious community

Synonyms

lay, non-religious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
secular

Appropriate for describing concepts, systems, or organizations that are not religious or spiritual in nature, such as secular government or secular education.

  • The country has a secular legal system that separates religion from law.
  • He is interested in secular philosophy rather than spiritual beliefs.
non-religious

Best suited to describe people or things that do not adhere to any religion or religious practices. This term is straightforward and commonly understood.

  • He identifies as non-religious and prefers not to participate in religious ceremonies.
  • The organization promotes non-religious activities and values.
lay

Used to describe people who are not clergy or professionals within a religious context. Often used in contrast to clergy. Can also refer to something that does not belong to a particular profession or specialized knowledge.

  • The event was attended by both clerical and lay members of the church.
  • As a lay person, she found the medical explanations difficult to understand.

Examples of usage

  • a secular priest
  • secular canons

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

  • Many schools today are secular, meaning they teach subjects without promoting any particular religion.
  • Secularism in governance encourages freedom of belief and often protects the rights of individuals to practice or not practice religion openly.

History

  • The Enlightenment period was pivotal in promoting secular ideologies, emphasizing reason and science over religious dogma.
  • Several countries have adopted secular constitutions, ensuring that government remains neutral in matters of religion.

Philosophy

  • Secular humanism is a philosophy that advocates for human rights, ethics, and reasoning without reliance on religious beliefs.
  • Philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Jefferson contributed significantly to secular political thought, arguing for the separation of church and state.

Impact on Society

  • Music and arts in secular contexts often explore themes of human existence, nature, and society, rather than religious themes.
  • Secular movements have historically pushed for reforms in social justice, education, and civil rights by prioritizing rational thought over religious influence.

Origin of 'secular'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'saecularis', meaning 'of a generation or age', linking to the idea of being part of this world.
  • In the Middle Ages, 'secular' referred to clergy who lived outside of monastic life, engaging more with everyday life than religious duties.

The word 'secular' originated from the Latin word 'saecularis', meaning 'of an age' or 'of the world'. It was first used in English in the 13th century to describe things not connected with religious or spiritual matters. Over time, the term has come to represent the separation of religion and state, as well as the focus on worldly or temporal concerns.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,407 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.