nonsectarian

American  

[non-sek-tair-ee-uhn] / ˌnɒn sɛkˈtɛər i ən /

adjective

1. not affiliated with or limited to a specific religious denomination.

---

nonsectarian British  

/ ˌnɒnsɛkˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. not narrow-minded, esp as a result of rigid adherence to a particular sect; broad-minded

---

Etymology

Origin of nonsectarian

First recorded in 1825–35; non- + sectarian

Explanation

You can describe something as nonsectarian if it's not connected or affiliated with any particular religious or political belief. A college is nonsectarian if it isn't associated with a religion or church, and a Sunday school class that teaches all religions is also nonsectarian. Something that's sectarian follows the rules of a particular group or sect, and it's the Latin word secta that's at the root of both sectarian and nonsectarian. The literal meaning of secta is "a way or a road," and its figurative meaning is "a following, school of thought, or religious group."

Example Sentences

Mr. Hill became editor of the Gideon Quarterly, Nonsectarian, their main object is that the members shall be preachers of righteousness as they go about their daily business.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nonsectarian, the Frontier Nursing Service receives help from local denominational stations.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nonsectarian, incorporated in 1935, the Federation construes the word "churches" broadly, to mean a group of people with a common aim.

From Time Magazine Archive

Well," doubtfully, "there is the Nonsectarian Home for Indigent Girls and the Hanna Larchmont Lying-in Hospital—" "Oh," cried Lilly, with a sting of color to her cheeks, "you don't understand!

From Star-Dust by Hurst, Fannie

Related Words

• multicultural