What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heathen
Example
The missionaries were shocked to find a village full of heathens who had never heard of Christianity. [heathen: noun]
Example
The colonizers viewed the indigenous people as heathen and in need of conversion. [heathen: adjective]
pagan
Example
The ancient Greeks were pagans who worshipped many gods and goddesses. [pagan: noun]
Example
The Puritans saw the celebration of Christmas as a pagan tradition that should be abolished. [pagan: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pagan is more commonly used than heathen in modern language, especially in the context of discussing non-Abrahamic religions. Heathen is less common and may be considered outdated or offensive in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heathen and pagan?
Both heathen and pagan are generally considered informal and may be seen as offensive or insensitive in certain contexts. However, pagan is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while heathen is more limited in its usage and may be considered archaic or offensive in some settings.
