atheist

An atheist is a person who disbelieves in the existence of any deity or deities or who is without a belief in gods. The term originates from the Greek a- meaning "without" and theos meaning "god," and it has been used in several senses over time. In modern usage, atheism describes a lack of belief in gods (negative atheism) or, less commonly, a positive assertion that no gods exist (positive or strong atheism). Some atheists identify as agnostic atheists, meaning they do not believe in gods but also hold that the existence of gods may be unknowable or not asserted with certainty. Others are gnostic atheists who claim to know that no gods exist. The opposite of atheism is theism; related terms include nonbelief and secular humanism.

Atheists may come from diverse philosophical backgrounds, including naturalism, rationalism, and secular ethics. The term covers a wide range of worldviews; some atheists embrace scientific naturalism and reject supernatural explanations, while others emphasize moral philosophies independent of religious doctrine. There are no universally shared rituals or structures of authority among atheists, and communities vary from informal discussion groups to organized secular organizations.

Geographically, the prevalence and social acceptance of atheism vary widely, influenced by culture, religion, education, and policy. In some regions, atheists encounter social stigma or legal restrictions; in others, high levels of religious disaffiliation coexist with pluralistic public life and protections for freedom of belief.