secularity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “secularity” mean?
The state of being separate from religious or spiritual concerns.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state of being separate from religious or spiritual concerns; worldliness.
The principle of separation between government institutions and religious institutions; the condition of being concerned with the material and temporal world rather than with spiritual or eternal matters. It can also refer to a quality of being non-religious in character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in its core meaning. The concept is more frequently discussed in public and legal discourse in the UK, given the established church, whereas in the US it's a foundational constitutional principle (Establishment Clause).
Connotations
In the UK, can carry a nuanced historical relationship with the Church of England. In the US, it is strongly linked to the constitutional separation of church and state and often carries positive connotations of freedom and neutrality.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the centrality of secularism in its constitutional discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “secularity” in a Sentence
the secularity of [INSTITUTION]a move toward/away from secularitysecularity in [CONTEXT e.g., politics, education]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secularity” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The debate centred on the secular character of the monarchy.
American English
- The school board upheld its secular stance on holiday decorations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used in discussions of corporate ethics or diversity policies, e.g., 'The company's secularity in its holiday policy ensures inclusivity.'
Academic
Very common. Central to sociology, political science, history, and religious studies. Used to analyze modern societies and state policies.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in discussions about school policies, public symbols, or societal trends.
Technical
Used in legal contexts (constitutional law), political philosophy, and sociological discourse to describe a precise constitutional or social principle.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secularity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secularity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secularity”
- Using 'secularity' to mean 'atheism'.
- Confusing 'secularity' (the abstract noun/state) with 'secularism' (the ideology). They are closely related but not identical.
- Pronouncing it /ˌsekjʊˈlɛərɪti/ (misplaced stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Atheism is the lack of belief in deities. Secularity is the principle of separating civil and governmental institutions from religious institutions. One can be a religious person who supports secularity in government.
'Secularity' is the state or condition of being secular. 'Secularism' is the ideology or political principle that advocates for secularity, especially the separation of church and state.
It is complex. In principle, secularity implies no official state religion. However, countries like the UK (with an established church) can exhibit elements of secularity in governance and law while maintaining a symbolic state church, a situation sometimes called 'partial secularity' or a 'soft establishment'.
Not inherently. Its primary aim is neutrality and preventing any single religion from dominating state functions. It aims to protect the freedom of all religions and non-religion within a pluralistic society, though some religious groups may view it as hostile.
The state of being separate from religious or spiritual concerns.
Secularity is usually formal, academic in register.
Secularity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.jʊˈlær.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.jəˈler.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a wall of secularity (US)”
- “the mantle of secularity”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'SECUlar' society focusing on the 'LARge' (LAR) public world, not the 'itty-bitty' (ITY) details of specific religions.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PUBLIC SPHERE IS A NEUTRAL TERRITORY (separate from the private territory of faith).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core concept most closely associated with 'secularity'?