Atheistic

Atheistic is an adjective relating to atheism, the lack of belief in deities. The term derives from Greek a-theos, meaning “without gods,” with the suffix -ic. In philosophy, sociology, and religious studies, atheistic thought emphasizes naturalistic explanations of the world, empirical inquiry, and often secular or skeptical ethics. The noun form is atheist; the adverb is atheistically. The adjective can describe positions, arguments, or worldviews associated with atheism, such as atheistic ethics, atheistic naturalism, or an atheistic worldview.

An atheistic stance ranges from a simple absence of belief to explicit denial of the existence of gods. Some scholars distinguish strong atheism (the positive assertion that no gods exist) from weak atheism (a lack of belief without asserting nonexistence). The term is commonly used to describe viewpoints or institutions that operate without religious influence, and it can apply to individuals who identify as atheists or who hold atheistic positions.

The label is primarily descriptive, but its connotations can vary by region and discourse. Some people who are skeptical or scientifically oriented prefer terms like nonreligious or secular rather than atheist. In academic and public contexts, atheistic is typically used to characterize beliefs, arguments, or policies that align with atheism, while not necessarily prescribing a fixed creed.