heathenism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Literary, Theological, sometimes pejorative/archaic.
Quick answer
What does “heathenism” mean?
The state, condition, or religious beliefs and practices of a heathen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state, condition, or religious beliefs and practices of a heathen; paganism.
Non-adherence to a major world religion, particularly monotheistic ones like Christianity, Islam, or Judaism; can be used metaphorically to describe uncivilized or uncultured behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical/literary contexts due to the established state church history.
Connotations
Equally archaic and potentially offensive in both dialects if applied to contemporary beliefs. The theological connotation is primary in both.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but slightly higher in formal theological or historical writing. More likely in American contexts referencing historical Puritan writings.
Grammar
How to Use “heathenism” in a Sentence
[Subject] practiced heathenism.The conversion from heathenism to Christianity.They accused the tribe of heathenism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heathenism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (None. The verb is 'heathenize', which is obsolete.)
American English
- (None. The verb is 'heathenize', which is obsolete.)
adverb
British English
- (None derived directly. 'Heathenishly' is possible but extremely rare.)
American English
- (None derived directly. 'Heathenishly' is possible but extremely rare.)
adjective
British English
- The missionaries described the heathenism rituals in detail.
- They sought to overturn heathenism traditions.
American English
- The settlers were alarmed by the heathenism practices.
- His book catalogued heathenism deities.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used cautiously in historical, theological, or anthropological studies, often in quotation marks to indicate the term's perspective. 'The study examined Victorian views on African "heathenism".'
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound archaic or intentionally provocative/offensive.
Technical
In theology, a precise historical term for pre-Christian or non-Abrahamic belief systems from a Christian viewpoint.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “heathenism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “heathenism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heathenism”
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'paganism' in modern academic work. / Confusing it with 'hedonism'. / Using it to describe a single person's momentary lapse ('His heathenism shocked them' is odd; 'heathen behavior' is better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often used synonymously, but 'heathenism' is more specific and pejorative, originating from a Christian viewpoint describing non-believers. 'Paganism' can be a neutral, self-applied term in modern contexts.
Not accurately. Historically, heathenism implied belief in many gods or false gods, not a lack of belief in any god. It is a form of religion, not the absence of it.
It can be, especially if used to describe contemporary religious practices. It carries historical baggage of cultural and religious superiority. In modern discourse, more neutral terms are preferred.
The direct related adjective is 'heathen' (e.g., heathen beliefs). The word 'heathenism' itself is a noun and is not commonly used adjectivally.
The state, condition, or religious beliefs and practices of a heathen.
Heathenism is usually formal, literary, theological, sometimes pejorative/archaic. in register.
Heathenism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiː.ðən.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiː.ðən.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific; the word itself is often used in figurative idioms e.g., 'the heathenism of modern consumer society'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HEATH (open, uncultivated land) where -EN people (old suffix) practice -ISM (a belief system) – the 'belief system of people from the uncultivated lands'.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION IS A PATH/CIVILIZATION; thus heathenism is being OFF THE PATH, in the WILDERNESS/UNCULTIVATED LAND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'heathenism' be MOST academically acceptable today?