Nontheists

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of individuals who do not believe in the existence of deities
2. People who identify with philosophical perspectives that reject theism
3. Individuals who uphold secular or non-religious viewpoints regarding the divine

Etymology: "Nontheists" is the plural of "nontheist," a noun for a person who rejects belief in gods. It is formed from the prefix "non-," meaning "not," attached to "theist," which comes from Greek "theos," meaning "god." The plural simply applies that negation to a whole group of people, so the sense is literally "not-theists." The base word "theist" is itself the older term, built on the same Greek root that gives English "theology" and "theism." Adding "non-" creates a word that describes the absence of that belief rather than an opposing creed, which is why it can cover people who simply lack belief as well as those who actively deny gods.