secularism
gb/sˈɛkjəlɚˌɪzəm/ us/sˈɛkjəlɚˌɪzəm/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
abstract
1
separation of religion and government
the idea that the government should be separate from religion and should treat all religions equally
Usage pattern:
secularism in [a country/institution]; the principle of secularism
Common mistake:
Secularism is not the same as atheism; it does not necessarily mean opposition to religion.
Synonyms
church-state separation (more specific phrase, especially in U.S. contexts)
|
religious neutrality (emphasizes the state not favoring any religion)
|
laicism (more formal and often associated with strict state secularism)
Antonyms
theocracy (government based on religious authority)
|
clericalism (support for religious leaders having political power or influence)
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religious establishment (official state support for a particular religion)
Collocations
political secularism
|state secularism
|constitutional secularism
|strict secularism
|French secularism
|the principle of secularism
|defend secularism
|promote secularism
|a threat to secularism
|secularism and religious freedom
Themes
politics
|religion
|law
|society
Examples
- The constitution reflects secularism by keeping religious authorities separate from the government.
- Supporters of secularism argue that the state should treat all faiths, and people with no faith, equally.
- The debate over prayers in public schools raised questions about secularism and religious freedom.
Learner examples
- Secularism means the state does not belong to one religion.
- Many democracies protect both secularism and religious freedom.
Noun
formal
C1
abstract
2
nonreligious outlook or social trend
a way of life or thinking that is not based on religion
Usage pattern:
the rise/spread of secularism; secularism among [people/group]
Common mistake:
Do not use secularism to mean simply “not religious” for a person; say “secular,” “nonreligious,” or “not religious.”
Synonyms
nonreligiousness (simpler and broader, often about people or attitudes)
|
secular outlook (emphasizes a way of seeing life rather than a political principle)
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humanism (related when it stresses human values without religion, but not identical)
Antonyms
religiosity (strong religious feeling, belief, or practice)
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religiousness (being guided by or committed to religion)
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spirituality (belief or interest in spiritual matters, not always organized religion)
Collocations
growing secularism
|the rise of secularism
|the spread of secularism
|modern secularism
|cultural secularism
|Western secularism
|increasing secularism
|secularism in society
|secularism among young people
|a shift toward secularism
Themes
religion
|society
|culture
|philosophy
Examples
- Some commentators see the decline in church attendance as evidence of growing secularism.
- Her writing explores secularism as a way of finding moral meaning outside organized religion.
- The survey suggested a shift toward secularism among younger voters.
Learner examples
- Secularism is growing in some cities.
- His views were shaped more by secularism than by religion.
Grammar
Dictionary form
secularism
IPA
GB/sˈɛkjəlɚˌɪzəm/
US/sˈɛkjəlɚˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
sec - u - lar - ism (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sec)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: secularism
- Plural: secularism
Expressions
french secularism
1/fɹˈɛnt͡ʃ sˈɛkjəlɚˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
French model of secularism
the French idea that the state and public institutions should be strongly separate from religion
Examples
- French secularism has shaped laws on religious symbols in public schools.
- Supporters say French secularism protects equality, while critics say it can restrict religious expression.
- The debate was framed as a conflict between French secularism and individual religious freedom.
militant secularism
1/mˈɪlɪtənt sˈɛkjəlɚˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
aggressive opposition to religious influence
secularism that people see as strongly anti-religious
Examples
- Critics accused the policy of promoting militant secularism, while supporters called it religious neutrality.
- The phrase “militant secularism” is often used in debates about religion in public life.
- He rejected the charge of militant secularism and said he only wanted equal treatment for all beliefs.
state secularism
1/stˈeɪt sˈɛkjəlɚˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
officially secular government system
a government system where the state is officially separate from religion
Examples
- Turkey and France are often discussed as examples of strong state secularism.
- The court said state secularism must be balanced with individual religious freedom.
- Debates over state secularism often focus on schools, courts, and public officials.