laico

secular

adjective LAH-ee-koh Rare

Origin: from Greek laïkós (of the people)

Also means

lay, non-religious

Usage Note

Laico contrasts with religioso or eclesiástico and applies to education, institutions, or people not governed by religious authority; escuela laica is a secular school. The noun form el laico refers to a lay person (a non-ordained member of a religious community).

Examples

"El Estado laico separa la iglesia del gobierno."

Natural Translation

The secular state separates church from government.

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