infidel

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "infidel" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to somebody who does not follow the same religious beliefs as you, or somebody who does not observe a particular faith. For example, “The extremist group saw anyone who disagreed with them as an infidel and targeted them for conversion.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Syrian people know that this crusade, this infidel and malicious coalition, is against Muslims, not Isis.

The Guardian

Erdogan also called Demirtas an "infidel" after he pledged to abolish the government directorate of religious affairs and likened him to a "pop star" because he plays the saz, a Turkish folk lute.

The Guardian

The reduction in foreign troops could help damp down the war; some Taliban foot soldiers have said they would not fight against fellow Afghans as they do against the infidel invaders.The non-rule of lawThe abiding problem is that Mr Karzai remains in charge.

The Economist

At the same time the regime still whacks the religious fanatics who look to the late Osama bin Laden, the Saudi who sought to overthrow the monarchy for its corruption and collaboration with the infidel, especially the American one.

The Economist

Mr Sadiq often declares that the two branches share 97% of their beliefs, cautioning that extremists from both sides are as big a danger to Islam as its infidel enemies.

The Economist

Farther along the Caspian shore, Azerbaijan, with American know-how, is developing its oilfields far more dynamically; Iran's productivity rate has plummeted.In the face of such gloomy contrasts, Iran cannot make up its mind whether to co-operate with the perfidious infidel West to save its economic skin and strengthen its security, or to keep its Islamist soul unsullied.

The Economist

Some such as the desire "to regain Palestine", to avenge the killing of "our nation's sons" and to expel all "infidel armies" from "the land of Muhammad"—could be those of any conventional national-liberation movement.

The Economist

"Even you [an infidel] are closer to us than he is," one stern-looking Shabab commander tells your correspondent.

The Economist

Fired by stories of jihad, and with the livelihood of smuggling threatened by shoot-first American patrolling of the border, they are said to chafe at being kept from fighting the infidel intruders.Such tensions do boil over.

The Economist

Mr Qaradawi, its star preacher, recently excoriated a viewer who called in to his show, "Sharia and Life", to denounce democracy and freedom as "infidel" concepts.

The Economist

No wonder Mr Baghdadi dismisses democracy as an infidel abomination.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "infidel", be mindful of its potentially offensive connotations. Consider using more neutral terms like "non-believer" or "unbeliever" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "infidel" as a general insult or derogatory term. It carries strong religious baggage and can be deeply offensive.

Linguistic Context

The word "infidel" functions primarily as a noun, designating an individual who does not share the same religious beliefs as the speaker or a designated group. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a sense of otherness or opposition, as evidenced by its use in Ludwig examples within contexts of conflict or religious tension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "infidel" is a grammatically correct noun that refers to someone who does not share a particular religious belief. While deemed acceptable by Ludwig AI, it carries a potentially offensive connotation and is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. When writing, it's crucial to be aware of the term's implications and consider using more neutral alternatives such as "non-believer" or "unbeliever", especially when aiming for objective or respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unbeliever

Refers specifically to someone who does not believe in a particular religion.

non-believer

Another term for someone who lacks religious belief.

atheist

Describes someone who does not believe in the existence of God or gods.

heathen

Implies a lack of adherence to mainstream religions.

pagan

Often used to describe someone who follows a non-Abrahamic religion.

heretic

Someone who holds beliefs contrary to established religious doctrine.

dissenter

Someone who disagrees with established religious or political beliefs.

nonconformist

Someone who does not conform to accepted beliefs or practices.

unorthodox

Describes beliefs or practices that deviate from the norm.

agnostic

Someone who believes that the existence or non-existence of God is unknowable.

FAQs

What does the term "infidel" mean?

The term "infidel" refers to someone who does not believe in a particular religion, especially when viewed from the perspective of someone who does.

Are there more neutral alternatives to the word "infidel"?

Yes, more neutral alternatives include "non-believer", "unbeliever", or simply referring to someone's specific religious affiliation or lack thereof.

How has the word "infidel" been used historically?

Historically, "infidel" has been used in religious contexts to label those who do not adhere to the dominant or speaker's religion, often during periods of conflict or religious tension.

Is it appropriate to use the word "infidel" in modern discourse?

Using "infidel" can be seen as pejorative. While it is grammatically correct, consider your audience and the potential for offense. Opt for more neutral language unless the specific historical or religious context warrants its use.