Atheism
/ˈeɪ.θi.ɪ.zəm/noun
The belief that God does not exist.
Did you know?The word 'atheism' emerged in the 16th century, originally used as an insult to label those who rejected the divine, reflecting societal fear of the unknown.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄθεος (átheos)
“Without gods; a term used to describe those lacking belief in deities.”
14th Century
Old French
atheisme
“The state of being without belief in a god or gods, adopted from Greek.”
16th Century
Latin
atheismus
“A term coined in European languages to denote disbelief in God, often used pejoratively.”
Modern English
English
atheism
“The formal adoption of the term to describe a philosophical stance against belief in deities.”