Secularized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒ
Add to dictionary

secularized

[หˆsษ›kjสŠlษ™raษชzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

religious contexts

Secularized refers to the process of transferring something from religious to secular control or influence. This often involves the removal of religious symbols, practices, or references from institutions or public life. The term can also imply a broader cultural shift where religious considerations are diminished in favor of more temporal concerns. Secularization often leads to a separation of church and state, affecting laws and societal norms.

Synonyms

dechristianized, desecrated, unhallowed.

Examples of usage

  • The country has secularized its educational system.
  • Many religious institutions have been secularized over time.
  • The secularized state law no longer reflects religious doctrines.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Secularization processes accelerated in Europe after the Enlightenment, promoting reason and science over religious doctrines.
  • In many societies, secularization often followed major events like revolutions, where religious influence diminished in governance.

Pop Culture

  • Many modern novels and films explore secular themes, reflecting societal change and challenging traditional religions.
  • Music genres, especially rock and pop, have often embraced secular ideals, championing freedom from religious constraints.

Sociology

  • Studies show that as education levels rise, societies often become more secular, focusing on shared human experiences instead of religious ones.
  • Secularization can lead to greater diversity in beliefs, allowing individuals to explore personal philosophies without religious pressure.

Psychology

  • Secular environments can provide individuals with a sense of autonomy and responsibility, impacting mental well-being and identity development.
  • Research indicates that secularized societies often emphasize community and cooperation beyond religious affiliations, fostering a sense of belonging.

Origin of 'secularized'

Main points about word origin

  • The term traces back to the Latin word 'saecularis', meaning 'of a generation' or 'worldly'.
  • In English, it emerged in the 19th century and gained prominence alongside discussions of church and state separation.

The term 'secularize' and its variants derive from the Latin 'saecularis', meaning 'worldly' or 'temporal', which itself comes from 'saeculum' meaning 'age, generation, or century'. The concept of secularization emerged prominently during the Enlightenment, a period characterized by a focus on reason, science, and individualism that often challenged traditional religious authority. As societies modernized, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries, secularization became associated with the decline of the influence of religious institutions in public life. The industrial revolution and urbanization further contributed to this shift as people began to see the state and education systems as separate from religious governance. Today, secularization can be observed in various forms around the world, with both positive and negative implications for communities and cultures.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,788, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.