What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
atheist
Example
John considers himself an atheist and does not believe in any form of organized religion. [atheist: noun]
Example
She has been an atheist for many years and finds comfort in her own beliefs. [atheist: adjective]
agnostic
Example
He identifies as agnostic because he believes that it is impossible to know for sure if there is a god. [agnostic: adjective]
Example
She has been exploring different religions but remains agnostic, unsure of what she truly believes. [agnostic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Atheist is more commonly used than agnostic in everyday language. Atheism is a well-known term that is often discussed in debates about religion and belief systems. On the other hand, agnosticism is less common and tends to be used in more philosophical or intellectual discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between atheist and agnostic?
Both atheist and agnostic can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, agnostic is generally considered to be a more neutral and less confrontational term compared to atheist, which can sometimes carry a negative connotation depending on the audience.
