What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonreligious
Example
She considers herself nonreligious and does not attend church. [nonreligious: adjective]
Example
The school is nonreligious and does not promote any particular faith. [nonreligious: adjective]
agnostic
Example
He identifies as agnostic and does not claim to know whether God exists. [agnostic: noun]
Example
The author takes an agnostic approach to religious questions, emphasizing the limits of human knowledge. [agnostic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nonreligious is a more common term than agnostic in everyday language, as it is a more straightforward and widely understood term. Agnostic, on the other hand, may be less familiar to some ESL learners and may require more explanation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonreligious and agnostic?
Both nonreligious and agnostic are relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, agnostic may be perceived as more academic or intellectual due to its philosophical connotations.
