Heathen
/ˈhiːðn/noun
A person who does not belong to any of the widely held religions.
In the medieval times, people who were not Christians were often regarded as heathens.
Often appears as...
- regarded as heathen
- call someone a heathen
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Religious nuance
Used for someone outside major religions, often from a dominant religion's view.
The villagers called the foreign traders heathens.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential offense
Can be derogatory or offensive if used to single out different beliefs.
Calling his beliefs heathen hurt his feelings.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical context
Once common to justify colonization or conversion efforts.
Explorers labeled the indigenous peoples heathens to convert them.
Compare with
barbariancivilizeenlighteninfidelpagansavagewild
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