The word "secularness" is spelled with eight letters and pronounced as /ˈsɛkjʊlərnəs/. The IPA phonetic transcription reveals that the first syllable is stressed and pronounced as "SEK," while the second syllable is "yuh-ler" with an unstressed "n" before "ess" at the end. Secularness refers to the state or quality of being secular, which is the absence of religious or spiritual elements in society or government affairs. This term is often used in political discussions to describe a separation of church and state.
Secularness, also known as secularism, refers to the state or quality of being secular. It is a broad concept that encompasses various aspects of human life and societal organization. Secularness can be understood as the separation of religious institutions or beliefs from the affairs of the state, public institutions, and civil society.
In a secular society, there is a distinction between matters of religion and matters of governance. The principle of secularness implies that the state or governing institutions remain neutral and impartial with regards to religious beliefs and practices. It advocates for the freedom of individuals to choose and practice their own religious beliefs, or to hold no religious beliefs at all, without interference or favoritism from the state.
Secularness is often seen as a key component of modern democratic societies that value pluralism, diversity, and individual rights. It seeks to prevent the dominance of any particular religious group or ideology over others, promoting fairness and equality for all citizens regardless of their religious or philosophical affiliations.
The concept of secularness has its roots in the Enlightenment period and has evolved over time to reflect changing social, cultural, and political contexts. It is a concept that continues to be debated and interpreted in different ways around the world, influencing the relationship between religion, state, and society.
The quality of being secular.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "secularness" is derived from the word "secular", which itself is derived from the Latin term "saecularis". In Latin, "saecularis" means "worldly", "temporal", or "pertaining to this age". The term was later adopted into Old French as "seculer", which meant "of this world" or "non-ecclesiastical". Over time, it evolved into the modern English term "secular", which refers to things or ideas that are not religious or connected to spirituality. "Secularness" is the noun form of "secular", referring to the quality or state of being secular.