Word
secular
Meanings
Not connected with religion; operating independently of religious authority.
Concerned with ordinary, non-religious life rather than spiritual matters.
Definition
Not connected with religion and focused on non-religious, worldly matters.
If something is secular, it is separate from religion or religious control. The word often describes institutions such as schools, laws, or governments that operate independently of religious organizations. It can also describe attitudes or activities that are concerned with everyday life rather than spiritual beliefs.
Examples
- The university adopted a secular code of conduct to ensure that policies applied equally to all students.
- I prefer a secular ceremony because my family includes people with different beliefs.
- They argued that a secular curriculum would help the school focus on critical thinking and shared civic values.
- She works in a secular charity that partners with many community groups without promoting any faith.
- You can hold secular discussions in the workplace while still respecting colleagues’ personal convictions.
Common mistake
Learners often use "secular" to mean "atheist," but it usually means "not religious" or "separate from religion," not necessarily against religion.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.