heathen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heathen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who does not belong to a widely held religion, often implying a lack of belief in a specific deity or deities. Example: "In ancient times, the villagers viewed outsiders as heathens, unfamiliar with their customs and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are some Muslim readers who automatically assume I must be some liberal heathen, who have accused me of "Islam bashing", blasphemy and changing Islam to "suit my whims" - when I've done no such thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Selim Yilmaz, an Islamic scholar and imam for 27 years, criticised the AKP's attempts to discredit the HDP as "heathen".

The Guardian

Mr McConnell's solicitor stressed that his client had presented himself voluntarily, and added that police inquiries were continuing.It all began when Mr McConnell, an evangelical pastor, said he did not trust Muslims, even when they claimed to be peaceful and described Islam as a "satanic" and "heathen" religion which was "spawned in hell".

The Economist

Can't both sides win by converting the heathen?

The Economist

Gossart's earliest preserved work is a prime example—a piece in pen and ink documents the heathen princess Catherine's "mystic marriage" with Christ.

The Economist

Evangelicals can sound uncomfortably like latter-day Dr Livingstones, determined to convert the heathen to Christianity and abstinence.

The Economist

A man, white, black, or yellow, Christian, Jew, Mohammedan or heathen, may enter and enjoy all the advantages of this institution and go out believing in one God, in many gods, or in no God.

The Economist

Government supporters depict the opposition, ex-communists and liberal conservatives, as heathen secular liberals by implication, not proper Poles.Yet all is not what it seems.

The Economist

Technically speaking, the syncretic Yazidi faith may be regarded by Islam as heathen, denying its adherents the protections that Christians and Jews fellow "people of the book"—should enjoy.

The Economist

Only lack of money when war began obliged him to cancel the project.In the monuments that commemorate the war with Iran, the conflict is usually called "Saddam's Qadisiyya", a reference to a seventh-century battle where the Muslim Arab armies defeated the heathen Persians, thus ensuring the spread of Islam.

The Economist

So monogamous Christian societies defeated and converted polygamous heathen ones, and monogamy gradually spread.Now this argument may well be wrong.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "heathen", be mindful of its historical and potentially offensive connotations. Consider the context and audience to ensure it is appropriate and does not cause offense.

Common error

Avoid using "heathen" as a general insult or to describe someone simply because they have different cultural practices. The term specifically relates to religious beliefs (or lack thereof) and should not be used loosely to describe someone's character or behavior unrelated to religion.

Linguistic Context

The word "heathen" functions primarily as a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it identifies a person who doesn't adhere to mainstream religious beliefs. As an adjective, it describes something related to such individuals or their beliefs, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Independent

16%

OtherRelated

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "heathen" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and an adjective, primarily used to describe individuals or concepts outside mainstream religious beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it's crucial to use "heathen" cautiously due to its potential for offense. Consider alternatives like "pagan" or "non-believer" depending on the context. With a high source quality score and expert rating, understanding the nuances of "heathen" ensures effective and sensitive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pagan

Refers to someone holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions.

infidel

Often used in religious contexts to describe someone who does not believe in a particular religion.

gentile

A term historically used to refer to non-Jewish people.

unbeliever

A general term for someone who does not believe in a specific religion or any religion.

non-believer

Similar to 'unbeliever', but with a hyphenated spelling.

irreligious person

Describes someone who is not religious, focusing on the lack of religious practice.

unconventional person

Broader term referring to someone who doesn't follow societal norms, which can include religious beliefs.

non-conformist

Someone who does not conform to established customs or beliefs, including religious ones.

unorthodox individual

Describes someone who deviates from traditional or accepted beliefs, including religious.

secularist

Someone who advocates for the separation of religion from civic affairs and public education.

FAQs

What does the word "heathen" mean?

The word "heathen" typically refers to a person who does not adhere to a widely held religion, particularly one that is monotheistic. It can also describe someone who is considered uncivilized or uncultured.

Is the term "heathen" considered offensive?

Yes, the term "heathen" can be considered offensive, especially when used to demean or disparage someone's beliefs. Use with caution and sensitivity. Consider alternatives like "pagan" or "non-believer" depending on the context.

What is the historical context of the word "heathen"?

Historically, "heathen" was used by Christians to describe those who lived in the countryside (heaths) and practiced polytheistic religions. It often carried negative connotations of ignorance and barbarism.

What are some synonyms for "heathen"?

Synonyms for "heathen" include "pagan", "infidel", "gentile", and "unbeliever". The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.