What does atheistical mean?
Atheistical is an adjective meaning characterized by atheism — that is, denying or disbelieving the existence of God or gods. It can describe a person's beliefs, but more often modifies abstract things such as writings, arguments, principles, or doctrines that embody atheistic thinking. Formed from 'atheism' with the adjectival suffixes '-ic' and '-al', it entered English in the seventeenth century, when religious controversy made such labels potent weapons: calling a book 'atheistical' was a serious accusation. Today the word sounds distinctly formal and somewhat dated; modern writers overwhelmingly prefer its shorter synonym 'atheistic'. It should also be distinguished from 'agnostic', which expresses uncertainty rather than denial. Though rare in contemporary prose, 'atheistical' remains useful in historical contexts, particularly when quoting or discussing early modern polemicists who used the term freely against their opponents.
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by atheism; denying or disbelieving the existence of God or gods. A somewhat formal, now largely dated variant of 'atheistic'.
- Denying or disbelieving the existence of God or gods; characterized by atheism.
- Characteristic of or relating to atheism (of writings, arguments, doctrines, or attitudes).
"The philosopher's atheistical writings scandalized the clergy of his day."
"Critics condemned the treatise as atheistical and sought to have it banned."
"His atheistical leanings made him an outlier among his devout contemporaries."
Before 'atheistic' won the popularity contest, English writers reached for this clunkier cousin — a word whose extra syllable made disbelief sound like a whole philosophical system.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of atheistical
Atheistical derives ultimately from Greek 'atheos', meaning 'without god' or 'denying the gods', formed from the negative prefix 'a-' plus 'theos', 'god'. The term passed into Latin and then into European vernaculars, giving English 'atheism' and 'atheist'. The adjective was built on 'atheism' with the suffixes '-ic' and '-al', emerging in English usage during the seventeenth century alongside related forms like 'atheistic'. Cognates appear across European languages, including French 'athée' and Latin 'atheus'.
Related word forms
How atheistical is actually used
The word is formal to archaic in modern usage; 'atheistic' is strongly preferred today. In earlier centuries 'atheistical' was sometimes used loosely as a term of abuse for anyone deemed impious, not strictly for actual denial of God's existence. The suffix '-al' variant survives mostly in historical or scholarly prose.
Easily confused with atheistical
'Atheist' is a noun meaning a person who denies the existence of God, while 'atheistical' is an adjective describing ideas, writings, or attitudes that reflect such denial.
An agnostic holds that God's existence is unknown or unknowable, whereas an atheistical position actively denies or disbelieves in God's existence.