secularism

[ sek-yuh-luh-riz-uhm ]

noun

1. secular spirit or tendency, especially a system of political or social philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith and worship.
2. the view that public education and other matters of civil policy should be conducted without the introduction of a religious element.

secularism

/ ˈsɛkjʊləˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy a doctrine that rejects religion, esp in ethics
2. the attitude that religion should have no place in civil affairs
3. the state of being secular

Derived Forms

• ˌsecularˈistic, adjective
• ˈsecularist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• secu·lar·ist noun adjective
• secu·lar·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of secularism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; secular + -ism

Example Sentences

Moral panics around secularism and job discrimination "are at the heart of this silent flight", Olivier Esteves, one of the authors of the report France, You Love It But You Leave It, tells the BBC.

From BBC

The proliferation of at-home DNA tests has ushered in a tidal wave of skeletons shaken from closets, while generational shifts — and rising secularism — have made things that were once life-ruiningly shameful exponentially less taboo.

From Salon

There were clothing concerns of a different type when the French team told its female Muslim athletes that, because of the country’s secularism laws, they could not wear hijab in competition.

From Los Angeles Times

She addresses challenges to secularism daily — like children in choir class who put their hands on their ears “because their families told them singing variety songs isn’t good.”

From Seattle Times

For its officials and most educators, secularism in public schools and other public institutions is essential.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• blasphemy
• fallacy