ENGLISH
REFERENCE

secular

n.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈsɛkjəɫɝ// UK //sˈɛkjʊlɐ// sec·u·lar Literary

n. not connected with religion or spiritual matters. You use this to describe things like laws, schools, or music that are separate from the church.

n. relating to worldly things as distinguished from spiritual or religious ones; not bound by monastic vows or religious rules.


SIMPLE

The country has a secular government that treats all religions equally.

CONTEXTUAL

While the holiday has religious roots, many people celebrate it in a purely secular way by sharing a meal with friends.

COMPLEX

The transition from a theological to a secular legal framework allowed for a more pluralistic society where civil rights were not contingent upon religious affiliation.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English seculer, from Old French seculer, from Latin saeculāris (“of the age”), from saeculum.

Usage

Typically used to modify nouns related to institutions, music, or governance. Often contrasted with 'sacred' or 'religious'.

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