infidel
C2formal, historical, literary, often pejorative
Definition
Meaning
a person who does not believe in a particular religion or holds beliefs contrary to a dominant faith
often used pejoratively to describe someone who rejects or is hostile to a particular belief system; historically, one who is not a Christian (from a Christian perspective) or not a Muslim (from an Islamic perspective)
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is strongly associated with religious conflict, Crusades, and historical polemics. Its modern use outside historical/religious contexts can be perceived as archaic or deliberately inflammatory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, though it may appear slightly more in British historical/literary contexts due to empire history.
Connotations
Carries heavy historical/religious weight; often used rhetorically or ironically in modern contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary general usage; primarily found in religious, historical, or political discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[to be] branded/labelled an infidel[to be] seen/viewed as an infidelthe infidel [king/army/forces]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No quarter given to the infidel”
- “Turn infidel (to abandon one's faith)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or political science contexts discussing identity, conflict, or rhetoric.
Everyday
Extremely rare; if used, likely ironic or quoting historical sources.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (verb use is archaic/obsolete) The act of 'infidelising' was used historically.
American English
- (verb use is archaic/obsolete)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form) 'Infidelly' is non-standard/archaic.
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- The infidel hordes were repelled at the city gates.
- They were accused of holding infidel beliefs.
American English
- Infidel forces controlled the coastal region.
- The pamphlet denounced infidel philosophies.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the old story, the knight fought against the infidel.
- The word 'infidel' is not polite.
- The medieval chronicle described the invaders as savage infidels.
- Using the term 'infidel' today often reflects a deliberately confrontational stance.
- The rhetoric of the conflict dehumanised the opposition by branding them all as infidels.
- Theological debates often centred on how to treat captured infidel soldiers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IN-FAITH-DEL: Someone who is IN a state of having DELeted their FAITH.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAITH IS A TERRITORY / BELONGING → An infidel is an outsider/alien to that territory.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'неверный' (unfaithful in a relationship). While historically 'неверный' meant infidel, its primary modern meaning is 'unfaithful partner'. Direct translation can cause misunderstanding.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in a casual, non-historical context.
- Misspelling as 'infedel' or 'infidle'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'atheist' without the specific religious hostility.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'infidel' most appropriately used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is historically pejorative and charged. Its use implies an 'us vs. them' perspective from within a religious group.
It can, but specifically from the perspective of a believer for whom the atheist's lack of belief is a rejection of the true faith. 'Non-believer' or 'atheist' are the neutral terms.
No, it is rare outside of specific historical, religious, or polemical discussions. Its use in everyday conversation would be marked as unusual or intentionally archaic.
It can be deeply offensive as it denies the legitimacy of another person's beliefs or lack thereof, framing them as an outsider or enemy. It perpetuates divisive historical rhetoric.
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