nontheistic

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /nɒnˈθiːɪstɪk/

KK: /nɑnˈθiːɪstɪk/

adjective

Definition

Not believing in a deity or deities.

Example

Many people identify as nontheistic, meaning they do not believe in any gods.

Conversation

I was reading about different belief systems, and I found the concept of being nontheistic really interesting.

Oh really? I never thought about that before.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how some people find meaning without believing in a god.

Definitely! It makes you think about spirituality in a whole new way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

atheistic

secular

agnostic

Antonyms

theistic

religious

devout

Root Explanation

Nontheistic → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "theistic" (from Greek "theos", meaning god, and "-ic", meaning pertaining to). The word "nontheistic" refers to a belief system that does not involve or affirm the existence of a god.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning not, and 'theistic' relating to god — so nontheistic describes a belief that does not involve a god.

Visually Confused Words

monotheistic

henotheistic

untheistic

nonmonotheistic