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Secularizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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secularizing

 

[ ˈsɛkjʊləraɪzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

religious context

Secularizing refers to the process of transferring something from religious to secular (non-religious) use or control. This can involve the removal of religious significance from institutions, practices, or artifacts, thus aligning them more closely with secular (earthly or worldly) principles.

Synonyms

deconsecrating, desecrating, disestablishing

Examples of usage

  • The government is secularizing several religious schools.
  • Secularizing public spaces is a growing trend in many countries.
  • The church is secularizing its community events to attract a broader audience.
Context #2 | Verb

cultural context

In a broader cultural context, secularizing can also mean promoting a lifestyle that is based on non-religious beliefs and values. This is often associated with modernity and can indicate a shift away from traditional religious practices.

Synonyms

civilizing, modernizing, rationalizing

Examples of usage

  • The secularizing trends in society are evident in the changing family structures.
  • Many artists are secularizing their work to make it relatable to a wider audience.
  • Secularizing holiday celebrations can help create inclusiveness.

Translations

Translations of the word "secularizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 secularizando

🇮🇳 धर्मनिरपेक्षता

🇩🇪 Säkularisierung

🇮🇩 sekularisasi

🇺🇦 секуляризація

🇵🇱 sekularyzacja

🇯🇵 世俗化する

🇫🇷 sécularisation

🇪🇸 secularización

🇹🇷 sekülerleşme

🇰🇷 세속화

🇸🇦 علمانية

🇨🇿 sekularizace

🇸🇰 sekularizácia

🇨🇳 世俗化

🇸🇮 sekularizacija

🇮🇸 veraldarhyggja

🇰🇿 секуляризация

🇬🇪 სეკულარიზაცია

🇦🇿 sekulyarizasiya

🇲🇽 secularización

Etymology

The word 'secularizing' originates from the medieval Latin 'saecularis', which means 'of a generation or age'. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'saeculum', which translates to 'age' or 'epoch'. Over time, the term evolved to signify a distinction from religious matters, specifically in contexts concerning governance, education, and cultural practices. By the 19th century, secularization began to be viewed as a defining characteristic of modernity, prompting discussions about the role of religion in public life. The process of secularizing has often coincided with the rise of science and rational thought, challenging traditional religious authority and practices. This evolution has provoked various social and cultural movements that advocate for the separation of religion from state affairs, emphasizing the importance of secular ethics and values in a pluralistic society.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,780, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.