atheist

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.

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.

What are some other forms related to atheist?

• atheistic (adjective)
• atheism (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with atheist? 

• theist
• theism
• theology
• pantheon

What are some words that often get used in discussing atheist?

• existence
• god
• believe
• deity
• divine
• supreme
• being
• religion
• irreligious

What are some words atheist may be commonly confused with?

• agnostic

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

True or False?

The word atheist refers to a person who has a fear or distrust of religious people.