What does "heathen" mean?
A pagan; someone who is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim (other Abrahamic or monotheistic religions may or may not be included)
Heathen
/ˈhiːðən/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A pagan; someone who is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim (other Abrahamic or monotheistic religions may or may not be included)
- Grammar: heathen is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: pagan, agnostic, allotheist, allotheistic.
- Useful contrasts: Christian, believer, civilized.
- Usage evidence: Tom self-identifies as a heathen.
How to use "heathen"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "heathen" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "heathen" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "heathen" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "heathen" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "pagan" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "heathen", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A pagan; someone who is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim (other Abrahamic or monotheistic religions may or may not be included)
"V. Knox If it is no more than a moral discourse, he may preach it and they may hear it, and yet both continue unconverted heathens."
- 2 An adherent of the Germanic neo-pagan faith of Heathenry.
"[…] these examples, and others I have come across, illustrate most strikingly how Heathens follow a reactionary politics carefully constructed by politicians and pundits to help whites feel like victims, thereby making them useful political tools."
- 3 a person who does not acknowledge your god wordnet
- 4 An uncultured or uncivilized person, philistine. broadly
- 5 Alternative letter-case form of Heathen (an adherent of the Germanic neo-pagan faith of Heathenry). alt-of
Adjective
- 1 Not adhering to an Abrahamic religion; pagan.
"War of holy principles I'm seeking God's help in your destruction Slit the throat of heathen man And let his blood dilute the water, bury your dead"
- 2 Pertaining or adhering to the Germanic neo-pagan faith Heathenry. not-comparable
- 3 Uncultured; uncivilized; savage; barbarian. broadly
- 4 Alternative letter-case form of Heathen (pertaining or adhering to the Germanic neo-pagan faith Heathenry). alt-of
Adjective
- 1 not acknowledging the God of Christianity and Judaism and Islam wordnet
Example
"Tom self-identifies as a heathen."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "heathen"?
Common synonyms include: pagan, agnostic, allotheist, allotheistic, animist, animistic.
How do you use "heathen" in a sentence?
Tom self-identifies as a heathen.
How do you pronounce "heathen"?
Pronounced /ˈhiːðən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English hethen, from Old English hǣþen, from Proto-West Germanic *haiþin, from Proto-Germanic *haiþīnaz (“heathen, pagan”, adjective), equivalent to heath (“heathland”) + -en. Cognate with West Frisian heiden, Dutch heiden, Middle High German heiden, German Heiden, German Heide, Swedish heden, Danish hedensk (from heden+sk), Icelandic heiðinn. See also Proto-Germanic *haiduz, Old Norse heiðr (honour, bright, moor), Icelandic heiður (honour).
Etymology 2
From heathen.