pagan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, or Specialized (Modern Religious Contexts); can be neutral, pejorative, or positive depending on speaker.
Quick answer
What does “pagan” mean?
A person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions; historically, someone who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim.
In modern contexts, often refers to a follower of contemporary nature-based, polytheistic, or reconstructionist spiritual paths (e.g., Wicca, Druidry). Can also be used metaphorically for someone who is irreligious or hedonistic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition. British English may have slightly stronger historical/literary associations due to local pre-Christian history (e.g., Celtic, Anglo-Saxon).
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations depend heavily on context: can be scholarly/historical (neutral), derogatory (implying primitive or immoral), or positive (affirming nature-based spirituality).
Frequency
Similar low frequency in both. Possibly more frequent in UK in contexts of heritage, archaeology, and active modern pagan communities.
Grammar
How to Use “pagan” in a Sentence
[adjective] + pagan (e.g., devout pagan)pagan + [noun] (e.g., pagan tradition)verb + pagan (e.g., convert the pagans)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pagan” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not standard. No verb form in use.
American English
- Not standard. No verb form in use.
adverb
British English
- Not standard. No adverb form in use.
American English
- Not standard. No adverb form in use.
adjective
British English
- The site has clear pagan significance.
- They celebrated the pagan festival of Yule.
American English
- The holiday has pagan roots.
- She follows a pagan spiritual path.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in History, Religious Studies, Anthropology. Used with precise historical or sociological meaning.
Everyday
Rare. May appear in discussions of history, religion, or alternative spirituality. Can be misunderstood or carry unintended derogatory weight.
Technical
Specific term in Religious Studies and History denoting pre-Christian or non-Abrahamic religious traditions, both ancient and modern.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pagan”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pagan”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pagan”
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'atheist' (pagans are typically theistic, but not Abrahamic).
- Mispronouncing as /ˈpæɡən/ (like 'rag').
- Using it in a modern context without awareness of its reappropriated positive meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends entirely on context. Historically it was a derogatory label. Today, many people self-identify as pagan positively, but using it to describe someone else's beliefs without context can be pejorative.
They are largely synonymous in historical usage. In modern practice, 'Heathen' often specifically denotes a follower of Germanic/Norse reconstructionist paganism (Ásatrú), while 'Pagan' is a broader umbrella term.
Most pagan traditions, both historical and modern, are polytheistic (believing in many gods) or animistic. Some modern pagan paths may have a duotheistic (e.g., Wicca) or even monotheistic focus, but polytheism is most common.
No. While it refers to pre-Christian religions historically, it is also the standard term for a range of contemporary religious movements that revive or draw inspiration from those traditions, known collectively as modern paganism or neo-paganism.
A person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions.
Pagan is usually formal, historical, or specialized (modern religious contexts); can be neutral, pejorative, or positive depending on speaker. in register.
Pagan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪɡən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪɡən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is often used in fixed historical phrases like 'pagan idolatry' or 'convert the pagans'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PAN (the Greek nature god) in a GARDEN. A PAGAN is often associated with nature worship and ancient gods like Pan.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAGAN AS PRIMITIVE/NATURAL (often negative: uncivilized, barbaric; or positive: earth-connected, authentic).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern religious context, the term 'pagan' most accurately refers to: