Secular

Adjective

Definition: Not connected to religious or spiritual matters; relating to the temporal world and concerns rather than the spiritual or sacred.

Synonyms: Non-religious, Worldly, Temporal, Profane

Antonyms: Religious, Spiritual, Sacred

Examples:

The country adopts a secular approach to governance, separating religion from the state.
She prefers to lead a secular lifestyle, focusing on her career and personal growth instead of religious practices.

Mnemonics:

"Secular" sounds like "secular" which refers to things that are not religious or spiritual.

Etymology:

Origin:

From the Latin word "saecularis," meaning "of an age, pertaining to the world or worldly matters."

Historical Usage:

The term "secular" has been used since the 13th century to differentiate activities or concepts that are separate from religious or spiritual domains.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Secular society"

Explanation:

A society that is characterized by the absence of religious influence or control, where the government and public institutions are not tied to any specific religion.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "secular" with "atheistic".

Explanation:

While secularism does advocate for the separation of religion and state, it does not necessarily imply a disbelief in God or the absence of personal religious beliefs. A person can be both religious and support secular governance.