Definition

The belief that religion should not play a role in government or public education, and that people can live without religious influence.

Example

Secularism promotes the idea that laws and policies should be made without religious influence.

Conversation

I was reading about secularism and how it affects education.

Really? That's an interesting topic to explore.

Yeah, it suggests that religion shouldn't influence schools at all.

I think that's important for fairness and equality in learning.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Secularism is formed from "secularis" (from Latin, meaning worldly or temporal) and the suffix "-ism" (meaning a doctrine or belief system). The term refers to the belief in the separation of religion from civic affairs and the state.

Memory Tip

Think of 'worldly' ('secularis') to remember that 'secularism' means a belief system that focuses on the non-religious aspects of life.

Visually Confused Words