Heathen Definition

Contents

• 1 English
  • 1.1 Etymology
  • 1.2 Pronunciation
  • 1.3 Adjective
    • 1.3.1 Translations
  • 1.4 Noun
    • 1.4.1 Derived terms
    • 1.4.2 Translations

English

Etymology

Germanic: from Old English hæþen, akin to heath on the moor, the poor, 'wild' countryside; cognate with Dutch heiden, German Heide.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -iːðən

Adjective

heathen (not comparable)

1. not adhering to an Abrahamic religion; pagan.
2. (by extension) uncultured; uncivilized; savage, philistine.
3. pertaining to currents of Germanic neo-paganism known as Heathenry.

Noun

heathen (plural heathen or heathens)

1. A person who does not follow an Abrahamic religion; a pagan.
2. (by extension) An uncultured or uncivilized person, philistine.
3. Self-designation of some adherents of neo-paganism.

Derived terms

• heathendom
• heathenish
• heathenism
• heathenize
• heathenness

Translations

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