Antonyms for religion

Grammar : Noun

Spell : ri-lij-uh n

Phonetic Transcription : rɪˈlɪdʒ ən

Definition of religion

Origin : c.1200, "state of life bound by monastic vows," also "conduct indicating a belief in a divine power," from Anglo-French religiun (11c.), Old French religion "piety, devotion; religious community," and directly from Latin religionem (nominative religio) "respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods; conscientiousness, sense of right, moral obligation; fear of the gods; divine service, religious observance; a religion, a faith, a mode of worship, cult; sanctity, holiness," in Late Latin "monastic life" (5c.).
According to Cicero derived from relegere "go through again" (in reading or in thought), from re- "again" (see re-) + legere "read" (see lecture (n.)). However, popular etymology among the later ancients (Servius, Lactantius, Augustine) and the interpretation of many modern writers connects it with religare "to bind fast" (see rely), via notion of "place an obligation on," or "bond between humans and gods." In that case, the re- would be intensive. Another possible origin is religiens "careful," opposite of negligens. In English, meaning "particular system of faith" is recorded from c.1300; sense of "recognition of and allegiance in manner of life (perceived as justly due) to a higher, unseen power or powers" is from 1530s.
To hold, therefore, that there is no difference in matters of religion between forms that are unlike each other, and even contrary to each other, most clearly leads in the end to the rejection of all religion in both theory and practice. And this is the same thing as atheism, however it may differ from it in name. [Pope Leo XIII, Immortale Dei, 1885]

noun belief in divinity; system of beliefs

Example sentences :

Aspasia remained in Athens, triumphant over the laws of religion and morality.
Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child

The influences of religion have been multiplied and strengthened.
Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various

There is a moral, and a religion too, even in the silent walls.
Extract from : « Sunday at Home (From "Twice Told Tales") » by Nathaniel Hawthorne

I wish it were possible to speak of God without the implication of dealing with religion.
Extract from : « The Conquest of Fear » by Basil King

The minute you touch on religion, as commonly understood, you reach the sectarian.
Extract from : « The Conquest of Fear » by Basil King

Religion would be better than endurable in the company of such an embodiment of it!
Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald

Flossy, I do believe nobody was ever so much changed by religion as you have been.
Extract from : « Ester Ried Yet Speaking » by Isabella Alden

How little hope there is in the commoner phases of religion!
Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald

Young people are ripe for love long before they are ripe for religion.
Extract from : « A Treatise on Parents and Children » by George Bernard Shaw

The words were uttered with a subtle renunciation that was this man's religion.
Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana

Synonyms for religion

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019