ateo

atheist, atheistic

adjective ah-TEH-oh Rare

Origin: From Greek atheos, 'without god'

Usage Note

Ateo serves as both adjective and noun: es ateo (he is an atheist), los ateos (atheists). The feminine form is atea. It is distinct from agnóstico (agnostic) — ateo denies the existence of god(s), while agnóstico claims the question is unknowable. In traditionally Catholic Latin American and Spanish societies, openly identifying as ateo can carry social weight.

Examples

"Mi vecino dice que es ateo convencido."

Natural Translation

My neighbor says he is a convinced atheist.

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