Define: Secular

The meaning of “Secular” differs based on where it is used. We list many below, then combine them into one or more market-standard definitions.

How is Secular defined in a legal contract?

  • Secular means being neutral towards or not related to religion, for example, daily activities that aren't rooted in religious practices. Seen in 1 SEC filing
  • Secular means being independent from any religious control, promoting fairness and neutrality towards all religious beliefs without favoring one over another. This neutrality facilitates freedom of belief and operation for everyone. Seen in 1 SEC filing
  • Secular means to not be concerned with religious beliefs. Seen in 1 SEC filing
  • Secular means being not connected with religious or spiritual matters. Hence, many people might live in secular states, or countries where the origin and justification of political power is entirely secular. Seen in 1 SEC filing
  • Secular means being religiously neutral or not associated with religion. Beyond this basic definition, 'secular' is a contested term that has evolved from Latin terms 'saecularis' or 'saeculum,' meaning 'the world,' 'generation,' or 'age'. In some contexts, secular can mean non-religious. Seen in 1 SEC filing
  • Secular means the separation of religion and state, not implying absence of religion. The term has gained various connotations in different regions of the world. Seen in 1 SEC filing
  • Secular means being non-religious in nature. Some holidays, due to their origin, are secular as they are not tied to a particular religious faith. However, some holidays may have religious origins but are celebrated as secular holidays—with associated secular activities and symbols. Seen in 1 SEC filing

Note: The Genie AI Legal Assistant pulled this data out of the SEC EDGAR Database of 500,000 records from the past 22 years of filings. We regularly update this page as new filings and definitions come in.

Search EDGAR for 'Definitions of secular' yourself to verify these results. We are always keen to point people to source documents.

Which definition should you use?

🤔 Our AI Legal Assistant has combined and improved the above descriptions to create market-standard 'Genie definitions' below, with guidance on which documents and which industry to use for each.

Genie Definition 1

  • Secular means being neutral, independent from, or unrelated to religious matters or beliefs.

Relevant Contract Types

Relevant Circumstances

  • When establishing a business entity that isn't affiliated with any religious organisation.
  • When hiring employees in a non-religious workplace.
  • When creating partnership agreements for business ventures that require a secular environment.

Relevant Sectors

Genie Definition 2

  • Secular means the separation of state and religion, promoting fairness and independence in any organization's operation.

Relevant Contract Types

Relevant Circumstances

  • When entering into a public service agreement where religious neutrality is necessary.
  • When forming a charter school that will operate independently of any religious organisation.

Relevant Sectors

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Looking for further advice on how to define “Secular" in your document? 

🚀 Try our AI Legal Assistant! It can suggest a definition just for your specific needs (Simply import your contract, then ask it to draft a definition suitable for your document, that's it!)

What is the most popular definition of 'Secular'?

Secular means being neutral, independent from, or unrelated to religious matters or beliefs

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