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atheist
[ ey-thee-ist ]
noun
- a person who does not believe in the existence of a supreme being or beings.
- a person who believes that there is no supreme being or beings.
atheist
/ ˈeɪθɪˌɪst /
noun
- a person who does not believe in God or gods
adjective
- of or relating to atheists or atheism
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Derived Forms
- ˌatheˈistically, adverb
- ˌatheˈistic, adjective
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Other Words From
- an·ti·a·the·ist noun adjective
- pro·a·the·ist noun adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of atheist1
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
I’m an implacable atheist, so divine is a metaphorical concept, but I’m sometimes blessed by it.
I am atheist, but in this country, death and grieving are easier if you are a spiritual person.
An atheist, on the other hand, may say we simply evolved free will along with other cognitive abilities that distinguish us from our mammalian cousins and ancestors.
Though I am an atheist, I am not without respect for people of faith — even fanatics, who despite some shortcomings have an impressive zeal.
Just as briefly, he toned down Hustler’s content, then returned to normal operations and announced he was an atheist.
An atheist counsels his fellow non-believers on how not to talk to people of faith.
From here I have the chance to blog in Arabic and in English as “Proud Atheist,” but I am now effectively in exile.
Waleed Al Husseini spent 10 months in Palestinian prison for being an atheist blogger.
All religions condemn lying, but Alicia Florrick likely will not be elected if she runs as an atheist.
Alicia is a devout atheist, if devout can be used to describe someone who does not believe in a God.
But the eternal existence of these stars is the very thing which the atheist is concerned to prove.
The speculating atheist, the theist will tell us, may be an honest man, but his writings will cause atheism in politics.
First, there is the "atheist formula" of 'art for the sake of art';—a heresy he scourged with pontifical anathemas.
It is then equally false to represent him as an atheist or as an orthodox Christian.
It is only what the Atheist has said, minus the capital letters.
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Related Words
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About This Word
What does atheist mean?
An atheist is a person who does not believe in the existence of a supreme being or deity. In other words, an atheist is a person who does not believe in the existence of God or of any gods.
The belief or doctrine that denies the existence of gods or supreme beings is atheism. 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 atheist means something different from the word agnostic, which refers to 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.”
Example: Being an atheist doesn’t mean I think God is bad—it means that I think God doesn’t exist.
Where does atheist come from?
The first records of the word atheist come from around 1570. It 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.
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. Many 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 atheist?
What are some words that share a root or word element with atheist?
What are some words that often get used in discussing atheist?
What are some words atheist may be commonly confused with?
How is atheist used in real life?
The word atheist is the most common way of referring to a person who doesn’t believe in the existence of a god or gods. Many people use the word to identify themselves in this way.
Whether you're an atheist, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or Buddhist, you have the same civil rights. That’s what the Constitution says. #ReligiousEqualityDay pic.twitter.com/j3uNgiKWea
— American Atheists (@AmericanAtheist) December 15, 2020
As an atheist Unitarian-Universalist, I get the best of both ends of the curve https://t.co/FT2QTPNupM
— Jonathan Tweet (@JonathanMTweet) December 13, 2020
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 atheist!
True or False?
The word atheist refers to a person who has a fear or distrust of religious people.
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