What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deist
Example
As a deist, he believed in a higher power but did not subscribe to any particular religion. [deist: noun]
Example
Deists believe that God created the universe and then left it to run on its own. [deists: plural noun]
agnostic
Example
She considered herself an agnostic because she was unsure if there was a higher power. [agnostic: noun]
Example
Agnostics do not claim to know whether or not God exists. [agnostics: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Agnostic is more commonly used than deist in everyday language. Agnosticism is a broader philosophical position that can apply to various beliefs and concepts beyond the divine, while deism is a specific belief system that is less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deist and agnostic?
Both deist and agnostic are neutral terms that can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, deist may be associated with a more historical or academic tone due to its origins in the 17th and 18th centuries.
