What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barbarian
Example
The ancient Romans viewed the tribes from the north as barbarians. [barbarian: noun]
Example
She was shocked by his barbarian behavior at the formal dinner. [barbarian: adjective]
heathen
Example
The missionaries tried to convert the heathens to Christianity. [heathens: plural noun]
Example
In some cultures, celebrating Christmas is seen as a heathen practice. [heathen: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barbarian is more commonly used than heathen in everyday language. Barbarian is often used in historical or literary contexts to describe ancient tribes or civilizations, while heathen is more commonly used in religious or cultural discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barbarian and heathen?
Both barbarian and heathen are generally considered informal and can be used in casual conversations. However, barbarian can also be used in more formal contexts such as academic or historical writing.
