I think not!
2007-01-28 08:23:40 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
It's spelled "atheist", duh
2007-01-28 08:30:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
While one can appreciate your attempt at trying to tie a lack of belief in God and a certain philosophy, pointing out how similar-sounding the words are does not prove your point.
The part that makes them sound similar is the Greek suffix "-ist."
The American Heritage Dictionary notes: "The suffix -ist, which comes from the Greek suffix -istes, forms agent nouns, that is, nouns that denote someone who does something."
So, if a theist is based on the root "theo" which denotes God, and the suffix "ist," then the word "theist" means one who believes in God, and an A-theist, is the opposite. One who does not believe in God.
Now, nihil basically means "nothing." When paired with the suffix -ist, it means a person who ascribes to nihilistic beliefs.
Nihilism is "a philosophy that denies the existence of any basis for knowledge or truth, and results in an inability to ascribe meaning to any aspect of reality."
2007-01-28 17:14:27 · answer #2 · answered by rlee1185 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These words do not sound a like to me.
The "ist" part at the end of the word is the same. That's all.
Sorry.
2007-01-28 16:31:44 · answer #3 · answered by Lizzie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as much as it's a coincidence that the words communist and nudist sound similar.
2007-01-28 16:30:36 · answer #4 · answered by ccr152 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
and theist as well.
2007-01-28 16:31:00 · answer #5 · answered by the Boss 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋