Unbeliever: meaning, definitions and examples
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unbeliever
[ ˌʌnbɪˈliːvər ]
religion
A person who does not believe in the existence of God or gods.
Synonyms
infidel, nonbeliever, skeptic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
unbeliever |
While 'unbeliever' is similar to 'nonbeliever', it can sometimes carry a slightly negative or judgmental tone depending on the context.
|
skeptic |
This term is used for someone who questions or doubts accepted beliefs or claims, not just in religion but also in other areas like science and society. It typically implies a critical thinking approach.
|
nonbeliever |
This is a neutral term for someone who does not believe in any religion or religious doctrines. It is often used in discussions about faith and atheism.
|
infidel |
This word is often considered offensive and derogatory. It historically describes someone who does not believe in the dominant religion of a particular group, especially in the context of Islam and Christianity.
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Examples of usage
- She was considered an unbeliever by her religious family.
- The unbeliever refused to participate in the church service.
general
A person who does not believe in a particular principle, idea, or system.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
unbeliever |
Use when referring to someone who does not believe in a particular religion or in religious principles.
|
doubter |
Use to describe someone who is uncertain or questions the truth or validity of something.
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skeptic |
Use for someone who questions accepted beliefs or doubts the reliability of certain truths, often requiring strong evidence to be convinced.
|
scoffer |
Use for someone who mocks or ridicules certain beliefs or ideas, often with disdain or contempt. This term carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He was an unbeliever in the benefits of traditional medicine.
- The politician was seen as an unbeliever in the party's ideology.
Translations
Translations of the word "unbeliever" in other languages:
🇵🇹 descrente
🇮🇳 अविश्वासी
🇩🇪 Ungläubiger
🇮🇩 tidak percaya
🇺🇦 невіруючий
🇵🇱 niewierzący
🇯🇵 不信者
🇫🇷 incroyant
🇪🇸 incrédulo
🇹🇷 inanmayan
🇰🇷 불신자
🇸🇦 غير مؤمن
🇨🇿 nevěřící
🇸🇰 neveriaci
🇨🇳 不信者
🇸🇮 nevernik
🇮🇸 vantrúarmaður
🇰🇿 сенбейтін
🇬🇪 ურწმუნო
🇦🇿 inanmayan
🇲🇽 incrédulo
Etymology
The word 'unbeliever' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'believer', ultimately from the Old English 'belyfan' meaning 'to believe'. It has been used to describe individuals who do not adhere to religious beliefs or who question established principles.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #26,030, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 26027 nunnery
- 26028 electioneering
- 26029 obsequious
- 26030 unbeliever
- 26031 sop
- 26032 colonialist
- 26033 toning
- ...