atheistic

[ ey-thee-is-tik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characteristic of atheists or atheism; containing, suggesting, or disseminating atheism:

   atheistic literature; atheistic people.

Other Words From

• athe·isti·cal·ly adverb
• athe·istic·ness noun
• anti·athe·istic adjective
• anti·athe·isti·cal adjective
• anti·athe·isti·cal·ly adverb
• nona·the·istic adjective
• nona·the·isti·cal adjective
• nona·the·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of atheistic¹

First recorded in 1625–35; atheist + -ic

Example Sentences

Whatever its shortcomings are minimized by the general amiability of its mission, placing Norman Reedus’ craggy and decidedly atheistic biker inside of a story where the force driving the good guys is spiritual belief.

From Salon

Pervaded by magic and mysticism, Bulgakov’s masterpiece was a far cry from the weary “socialist realism” mandated by an officially atheistic state.

From Los Angeles Times

In December, an atheistic, pro-choice, anti-gun, environmental activist — a.k.a. a resident of Santa Monica — asked me, “So how do you plan to ring in the last year of American democracy?”

From Los Angeles Times

Gradually, but by the time of the Cold War, many saw Catholics, Protestants and Jews as God-believing American patriots, allied in the face-off with the atheistic, communist Soviet Union.

From Seattle Times

The country is led by an officially atheistic party dominated by the majority Han ethnic group.

From Seattle Times

About This Word

What does atheistic mean?

Atheistic is an adjective that’s used to describe things that involve atheism—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. Atheistic is used in this same way.

For example, the writings of an atheist could be described as atheistic. The themes of a certain book or film that is thought to promote or deal with atheism could also be described as atheistic. The word is often used in a negative way by those who disagree with atheism.

The word atheistic means something different from the word agnostic, which refers to or describes a person who believes 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.”

A less common variant of atheistic is atheistical.

Example: The film was criticized by church leaders due to what they interpreted as an atheistic message.

Where does atheistic come from?

The first records of the word atheistic come from the 1620s. It ultimately comes from the Greek áthe(os), meaning “godless.” In atheist, 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 -ist indicates a person who holds certain beliefs. The suffix -ic means “characteristic of” and is used to form adjectives.

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, many atheists face discrimination. This means that writings or other works deemed atheistic are often the subject of bans or censorship.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to atheistic?

• atheistical (adjective)
• atheist (noun, adjective)
• atheism (noun)

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

• theistic
• theism
• theology
• pantheon

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

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

What are some words atheistic may be commonly confused with?

• agnostic

How is atheistic used in real life?

The word atheistic is typically used in the context of writings or other works that involve atheism. It is often used in a negative way with people who disagree with such beliefs.

By "Atheistic teachings" most people mean "Science" #p2

— accidental doctorate (@IAmJoelWest) June 16, 2011

Saudi Arabia has jailed a Palestinian poet on accusations of atheistic writing and long hair. http://t.co/CXBKEHOHOo

— Secular Coalition for America (@seculardotorg) January 22, 2014

Won't quote those upset with some of the atheistic themes of my tweets, as I don't wish to unleash a swarm of negativity on them. I repeatedly speak of respecting Christians that genuinely embody Jesus (e.g., Carter). Yet, I reserve the right to occasionally signify my disbelief.

— 🔥Reverend Aiden (@SweetFnLucifer) November 14, 2019

Try using atheistic!

True or False?

The word atheistic is always used in a neutral or positive way.