'atheism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'atheos,' where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'theos' meant 'god.'

'atheos' transformed into the French word 'athéisme,' and eventually became the modern English word 'atheism' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'without god,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the belief that there is no deity or god.'