Atheos
/ˈeɪ.thetaɪ.ɒs/noun
A Greek word meaning “without a god” or “godless,” used historically to describe someone lacking belief in the gods.
Did you know?In the ancient world, accusations of being atheos could be politically explosive, because “godless” often implied social disorder, impiety, and rejection of the civic order itself.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dyeu-
“to shine; sky, daylight, god”
Ancient Greek
Greek
theos
“god”
Ancient Greek
Greek
a-theos
“without a god; godless”
Late Antiquity
Greek
atheos
“godless, impious; later used for unbelief”
Modern English
English
atheist
“a person who does not believe in the existence of God or gods”
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