Part of Speech

Noun, Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈhiːðən/

Definitions

• 1. (Noun) A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim), often used in a derogatory sense.
• 2. (Noun) A person who is uncivilized, barbaric, or unrefined in their behavior, often due to lack of religious or moral understanding.
• 3. (Adjective) Relating to or characteristic of people who do not practice a major religion or have different beliefs, often implying a negative or judgmental tone.

Usage Examples

• "The missionaries set out to convert the heathens to Christianity."
• "In ancient times, some tribes were labeled as heathens by neighboring civilizations."
• "The concept of 'heathen' has evolved over time and is now viewed as outdated and offensive by many."

Etymology

The word "heathen" comes from Middle English *hethen*, which originated from Old English *hæðen* and ultimately from Proto-Germanic *haithano*. The term initially referred to rural dwellers who practiced polytheism, as they lived on the heath, or open land. Over time, it became used in a derogatory sense to refer to those who did not belong to Christianity or the major Abrahamic faiths.

Synonyms

• Pagan
• Infidel
• Unbeliever
• Atheist
• Barbarian

Antonyms

• Believer
• Christian
• Muslim
• Jew
• Religious

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "heathen" is pronounced with a strong "th" sound, as /ˈhiːðən/.
• In American English, it may sometimes sound more like /ˈhiːðɪn/, with a slightly more stressed "e" sound.
• In Australian English, the pronunciation is similar to British English, though with a slightly more relaxed "th" sound, like /ˈhiːðən/.

Historical Usage

Historically, the term "heathen" was used to describe those who followed polytheistic religions or no religion at all. It was widely used in missionary literature to describe non-Christians. In the medieval period, the word became synonymous with "pagan" and was often employed to denote outsiders to Christianity, especially those living in distant or rural areas. The word has evolved, and while still in use, it is now considered offensive by many due to its historical connotations of superiority and religious intolerance.

Cultural Nuances

The use of the term "heathen" has been viewed as derogatory and judgmental in modern contexts, often implying that the person in question is uncivilized or unworthy. The word has lost much of its religious significance in contemporary usage, although it is still employed in some circles with a reference to those who do not practice a specific faith. Its use in everyday speech is limited and may be considered pejorative, especially when referring to other cultures or belief systems.

More Information

The term "heathen" has become largely obsolete and is avoided in modern religious discourse due to its pejorative nature. However, the concept of "heathenism" as a form of religious or spiritual belief persists in certain contexts, particularly in the study of ancient or pre-Abrahamic faiths. While once used to describe anyone outside of the three major Abrahamic religions, the word now generally carries negative undertones, reflecting historical periods of religious conflict and exclusion. Understanding the history of the word helps highlight the importance of respectful language when discussing religious and cultural differences.