noun · academic
secularism
UK/ˈsɛkjʊlərɪz(ə)m/US/ˈsɛkjələrɪzəm/SE·cu·lar·ism
the principle of separating religion from civic affairs and government institutions
Examples
“Secularism is often cited as essential for ensuring religious freedom in diverse societies.”
“Debates about secularism surface when public funding goes to faith schools.”
“The constitution enshrined secularism as a core principle.”
Band 8 sentence
“A robust secularism can protect minority faiths by preventing the state from privileging any single religion.”
Collocations
- principle of secularism
- secular state
Word family
Common mistakes
secularism means atheism→secularism means separation of religion and state, not necessarily atheism
secular state is without religion→a secular state does not endorse a religion but allows religious practice
Say it for a higher band
5neutrality→6laicism→7+secularism
Synonyms
neutrality
laicism
Easily confused
neutrality
“The court declared its neutrality on the matter to avoid bias.”
laicism
“Laicism in France has a distinct historical and legal tradition.”
Related words
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In Society & Government
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