nonbelief
|non/be/lief|
C1
/ˌnɒn.bɪˈliːf/
absence of belief
Etymology
Etymology Information
'nonbelief' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'belief', which comes from Old English 'geleafa', meaning 'faith' or 'trust'.
Historical Evolution
'nonbelief' was formed by combining 'non-' with 'belief', a word that has been in use since Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, 'belief' meant 'faith or trust', and 'nonbelief' evolved to mean the absence of such faith or trust.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the absence or lack of belief, especially in a religious context.
His nonbelief in any deity was a personal choice.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41