heathen

[ˈhiːðən]

heathen Definition

a person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim) as regarded by those who do..

Using heathen: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "heathen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The missionaries tried to convert the heathens to Christianity.

• Example

  He was considered a heathen because he did not attend church.

• Example

  The heathen festival was filled with pagan rituals and traditions.

heathen Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for heathen

• pagan
• infidel
• idolater
• heretic

Antonyms for heathen

• believer
• Christian
• Jew
• Muslim

Phrases with heathen

• heathen gods

  gods worshipped by people who do not belong to a widely held religion

  Example

  The heathen gods of ancient Greece and Rome were worshipped for centuries.

• heathen practices

  rituals and customs associated with non-Christian religions

  Example

  The missionaries were shocked by the heathen practices they encountered in Africa.

• heathen land

  a place where non-Christian religions are widely practiced

  Example

  The explorers were amazed by the heathen land they discovered in the New World.

Origins of heathen

from Old English 'hǣthen', meaning 'not Christian or Jewish'

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Summary: heathen in Brief

The term 'heathen' [ˈhiːðən] refers to a person who does not belong to a widely held religion, especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim. It can also refer to pagan rituals, customs, and gods. Examples include 'The missionaries tried to convert the heathens to Christianity' and 'The heathen festival was filled with pagan rituals and traditions.'