atheism

Definition

A non-belief in deities.

Etymology

16th century Middle French athéisme, from athée (“atheist”), a loan from Ancient Greek ἄθεος (átheos, “godless”, from ἀ- (a-, “without”) + θεός (theós, “deity, god”)). First English attestation dates to 1587 (OED).

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: antireligiousness, irreligion, irreligiousness"
• "For atheism to be rationally justified it is only necessary that it be more probable than not or at least more probable than theism. Certainty is no more required in the case of atheism than it is in the case of scientific theories."
• "Near-synonyms: irreligion, irreligiousness, nonreligion, nonreligiousness"

Related Words