heathen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, literary, archaic, sometimes pejorative
Quick answer
What does “heathen” mean?
A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially Christianity, Judaism, or Islam).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially Christianity, Judaism, or Islam); a pagan.
A person regarded as lacking culture or moral principles; an uncivilized or irreligious person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties. Slightly more common in British historical/religious contexts. The figurative, informal use (e.g., 'My dad is a technological heathen') is equally found in both.
Connotations
Strong archaic/religious connotation. Can carry a judgmental or dismissive tone. In informal, humorous use, the negative connotation is softened.
Frequency
Low frequency in modern secular discourse. Higher frequency in historical, theological, or literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “heathen” in a Sentence
[heathen] + of + [place/group] (the heathen of the north)adjective + [heathen] (uncultured heathen)convert/save + [heathen]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heathen” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'Heathen' is not used as a verb in modern English.
American English
- 'Heathen' is not used as a verb in modern English.
adverb
British English
- 'Heathen' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- 'Heathen' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- They discovered heathen burial mounds on the estate.
- His heathen disregard for tradition shocked the vicar.
American English
- The settlers feared the heathen rituals of the local tribe.
- She called my love of pop music a heathen pleasure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or anthropological contexts to describe pre-Christian or non-Abrahamic societies. Often in quotes or with contextual caveats.
Everyday
Rare. If used, it's typically informal, humorous, or self-deprecating (e.g., 'I'm a heathen when it comes to fine wine').
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside specific theological discourse.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heathen”
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'rude person' can sound archaic or oddly intense. Misspelling as 'heathen' (adding an 'a'). Confusing it with 'heather' (the plant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. When used seriously to describe adherents of other religions (especially non-Abrahamic ones), it is pejorative and dismissive. In informal, self-deprecating, or humorous contexts (e.g., 'I'm a cooking heathen'), it is generally not offensive.
'Heathen' broadly implies a person not belonging to a major world religion, often with connotations of barbarism. 'Pagan' is more specific, often referring to polytheistic, pre-Christian, or nature-worshipping religions, and is a more standard academic term. 'Infidel' is specifically a term used within Abrahamic faiths (especially Christianity and Islam) for someone who rejects that faith.
No, 'heathen' is only a noun or adjective in contemporary English. There is an archaic verb 'to heathenize', but it is obsolete.
Yes, the standard plural is 'heathens'. The collective term 'the heathen' (treating the group as a singular entity) is also historically common, as in 'preach to the heathen'.
A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially Christianity, Judaism, or Islam).
Heathen is usually formal, literary, archaic, sometimes pejorative in register.
Heathen: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːð(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiːðən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No known modern idioms. Archaic: 'Go to the heathen' (a curse).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'HEATH' (open, uncultivated land) + 'EN' (person from). A 'person from the heath' was seen as uncivilized and pagan by early Christians.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS BELIEF IS CIVILIZATION / LACK OF RELIGION IS SAVAGERY (The 'heathen' is metaphorically positioned outside the walls of civilized society.)
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the word 'heathen' be LEAST appropriate?