secularism

American  

[sek-yuh-luh-riz-uhm] / ˈsɛk yə ləˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. secular spirit or tendency, especially a system of political or social philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith and worship.

2. the view that public education and other matters of civil policy should be conducted without the introduction of a religious element.

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secularism British  

/ ˈsɛkjʊləˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy a doctrine that rejects religion, esp in ethics

2. the attitude that religion should have no place in civil affairs

3. the state of being secular

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Other Word Forms

• secularist noun
• secularistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of secularism

First recorded in 1850–55; secular + -ism

Example Sentences

As in France, Quebec's state secularism - or laïcité - is central to its identity.

From BBC

She found that 73% felt the secularism law affected their ability to look for a job, and a similar number said they have considered leaving the province.

From BBC

"Defending secularism is not a crime ... We will not surrender to darkness," it adds.

From Barron's

The demolition provoked the worst religious violence in India for many decades - it was, he said years later, the "gravest setback" to secularism since the country's independence from Britain in 1947.

From BBC

“This rise in popularity correlates with increasing secularism and nationalism.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• blasphemy
• fallacy