atheism

[ ey-thee-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or a supreme being or beings.
2. the philosophical position stating that there is no supreme being or beings.

atheism

/ ˈeɪθɪˌɪzəm /

noun

1. rejection of belief in God or gods

atheism

1. Denial that there is a God. ( Compare agnosticism .)

Other Words From

• an·ti·a·the·ism adjective noun
• pro·a·the·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of atheism¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Greek áthe(os) “godless” + -ism; a- ⁶( def ), theo-

Word History and Origins

Origin of atheism¹

C16: from French athéisme, from Greek atheos godless, from a- ¹+ theos god

Example Sentences

He said his own spiritual arc included Baptist baptism as a child in Indianapolis, atheism in college and a 1980 Christmas Eve service in Boston after which he became a devoted Christian again.

From Los Angeles Times

Not because he's carefully engaged the many philosophical proofs for atheism that are out there, of course.

From Salon

Those were the good old days, ruined in the last X number of years by, fill in the blank, socialism, atheism, globalism, communism, political correctness, critical race theory, liberalism, wokeness, feminism, immoralism, Democrats, etc.

From Salon

The loud and malapropism-prone Archie also touched on subjects such as atheism, the virtues of premarital celibacy, the breakdown of law and order, long hair on boys and short skirts on girls.

From Los Angeles Times

But most do not see atheism as an identity to seek community around.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• nihilism

About This Word

What does atheism mean?

Atheism is the belief that there is no supreme being or deity. In other words, atheism is the denial of the existence of God or of any gods.

A person who holds such a belief can be called an atheist. The word atheist can also be used as an adjective to describe such beliefs or things involving such beliefs. The adjective atheistic can be used in the same way.

The word atheism means something different from agnosticism, which is the belief that it is impossible to know whether or not a supreme being exists. When asked if God or gods exist, an atheist would answer “No,” while an agnostic would answer “It is impossible to know.”

Example: Atheism isn’t the belief that God is bad—it’s the belief that God doesn’t exist.

Where does atheism come from?

The first records of the word atheism come from the 1580s. It ultimately comes from the Greek áthe(os), meaning “godless.” In atheism, the beginning part a- means “without” and the main root is based on a word meaning “god” (the words theology and theist are based on the same root). The noun suffix -ism indicates doctrine or belief system.

Historically, being known as an atheist has been dangerous—many atheists have even been tortured or killed, such as in societies that require adherence to a specific religion. Even today, people who embrace atheism face discrimination. Many atheists support policies that ensure that religious freedom applies even to those who do not follow any faith.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to atheism?

• atheist (noun, adjective)
• atheistic (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with atheism? 

• theism
• theist
• theology
• pantheon

What are some words that often get used in discussing atheism?

• existence
• god
• belief
• deity
• divine
• supreme
• being
• religion
• irreligious

What are some words atheism may be commonly confused with?

• agnosticism

How is atheism used in real life?

The word atheism is the most common way of referring to the belief that a god or gods do not exist.

Atheism should never be used a political partisan boogeyman. This country was founded on the value of religious freedom for individuals of all faiths or none at all. RT if you agree. @MarshaBlackburn @VoteMarsha

— Secular Coalition for America (@seculardotorg) September 25, 2020

William Barr is wrong. Atheism does not result in moral decay. "The most secular countries in the world today fare much better on nearly every measure of peace, prosperity, and societal well-being than the most religious countries," writes @phil_zuckerman. https://t.co/597R00hHkf

— American Atheists (@AmericanAtheist) November 13, 2019

Mutual respect between theists & atheists will greatly improve when we wholeheartedly embrace freedom of & freedom from religion. This means schools may teach children about all religions & atheism, but may not impose/indoctrinate any one in particular.

— Impiety (@NoHolyScripture) October 27, 2019

Try using atheism!

True or False?

The word atheism refers to a fear or distrust of religious people.