heiden: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Literary / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “heiden” 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.
An uncivilized, uncultured, or irreligious person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core usage; both use the term. The frequency in contemporary language is similarly low.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong historical/religious connotations. It may be perceived as archaic or offensive when used to describe people in a modern religious context.
Frequency
Extremely low in everyday conversation in both varieties. Found more in historical texts, theological discussions, or specific subcultures.
Grammar
How to Use “heiden” in a Sentence
[adjective] + heathen (e.g., uncivilized heathen)heathen + [noun] (e.g., heathen beliefs)verb + heathen (e.g., convert the heathen)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heiden” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Victorian missionaries sought to bring Christianity to the heathen.
- He was regarded as a heathen for his unorthodox views.
American English
- The settlers viewed the native tribes as heathens.
- Don't be such a heathen—use a napkin!
adjective
British English
- They discovered heathen idols buried in the mound.
- His heathen practices shocked the parish.
American English
- They were accused of heathen rituals.
- She has a heathen disregard for table manners.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could appear metaphorically: 'Our finance department are heathens when it comes to using the new software.'
Academic
Common in historical, religious studies, and anthropological texts to describe pre-Christian or non-monotheistic societies.
Everyday
Rare, except in humorous or hyperbolic use: 'My brother is such a heathen, he puts ketchup on everything.'
Technical
Specific use in modern Pagan/Heathenry religious movements as a self-designation for practitioners of Germanic Neopaganism.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heiden”
- Misspelling as 'heathan' or 'heathon'.
- Using it interchangeably with 'atheist' (which denotes a specific belief position, whereas 'heathen' is a cultural/religious identifier).
- Assuming it is a contemporary, neutral term suitable for academic or interfaith dialogue without contextual qualification.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are largely synonymous, though 'pagan' is more common in modern academic and neutral contexts. 'Heathen' has stronger historical Christian derogatory connotations and is also a specific term for Germanic Neopagans.
Yes, in informal English it is often used humorously or hyperbolically to describe someone as uncultured or having 'savage' tastes (e.g., 'a culinary heathen').
A 'heathen' is someone outside the speaker's monotheistic faith. An 'infidel' is specifically a non-believer in the speaker's faith (often in Islamic/Christian contexts). A 'heretic' is someone *within* the faith who holds unorthodox beliefs.
Yes, the standard plural is 'heathens'. The archaic form 'heathen' (unchanged plural) is obsolete.
A person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially Christianity, Judaism, or Islam).
Heiden is usually formal / literary / archaic in register.
Heiden: 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 rest for the wicked (and the heathen don't sleep either) – a modern humorous twist.”
- “A heathen at heart – describing someone with no religious feeling.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HEATH + EN: Picture someone living on an uncultivated, wild heath, away from the 'civilized' church.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION/FAITH AS CIVILIZATION, LACK OF RELIGION AS WILDERNESS/UNCULTIVATED LAND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'heathen' LEAST likely to be considered offensive today?