Skip to main content

atheism — the belief that God or gods do not exist

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the belief that God or gods do not exist

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈeɪθiɪzəm/

Example Sentences

  • The professor's atheism shocked his grandmother, who had been praying for his soul since kindergarten.
  • Modern atheism is often based on scientific reasoning rather than emotional rebellion.
  • His atheism didn't stop him from saying 'Oh my God!' every time he was surprised.

atheism

NOUN

[/ˈeɪθiɪzəm/]

the belief that God or gods do not exist

He chose atheism after years of questioning everything he was taught.
💡 Concept

He chose atheism after years of questioning everything he was taught.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈeɪθiɪzəm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈeɪθiɪzəm/

🌳Etymology

Prefixa--
Rootthe-
Suffix--ism

Origin

From Ancient Greek, the word denotes the state of having no god or gods. In ancient Greece, it originally referred to those who did not believe in the state-sanctioned deities, and was often used as a term of accusation against those perceived as impious.

Breakdown

a- (without, not) + theos (god) + -ism (doctrine, system of beliefs or practice)

🎵Rhyme

prism
schism
racism

🔗Collocations

militant atheism
embrace atheism
convert to atheism
atheism debate
practical atheism
rise of atheism

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The professor's atheism shocked his grandmother, who had been praying for his soul since kindergarten.”

“Modern atheism is often based on scientific reasoning rather than emotional rebellion.”

😄 Fun example

“His atheism didn't stop him from saying 'Oh my God!' every time he was surprised.”

“The debate between theism and atheism has continued for centuries.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.