Word
secularism
Phoneticssec·u·lar·ism
US/ˈsɛkjəɫɝˌɪzəm/
UK/sˈɛkjʊləɹˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the belief that religion should not be involved in the organization of society, laws, or government. It focuses on keeping religious and public life separate.
n. the principle of separation between religious institutions and the state. Often involves the neutral treatment of all religious beliefs and the exclusion of religious influence from public policy and education.
Examples
“The country's constitution is based on the principles of secularism.”
“Debates over secularism often arise when the government considers funding for private religious schools.”
“Modern secularism does not necessarily imply an opposition to religion itself, but rather a commitment to a public sphere where no single faith dictates the legal framework for all citizens.”
Examples
simple
“The country's constitution is based on the principles of secularism.”
contextual
“Debates over secularism often arise when the government considers funding for private religious schools.”
complex
“Modern secularism does not necessarily imply an opposition to religion itself, but rather a commitment to a public sphere where no single faith dictates the legal framework for all citizens.”
Usage
Typically used as an abstract concept; often paired with 'principles of' or 'commitment to'.
Real-World Examples
“It was built in the 1920s, when Washington was transformed by ambitious construction projects, even as the nation grappled with political division , racial conflict and clashes between religion and secularism .” “It is a recycled recommendation from many spiritual traditions, packaged in a palatable secularism.” Etymology
From secular + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/secularism