paganism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Formal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “paganism” mean?
Religious beliefs and practices that are polytheistic or centred on nature worship, typically outside the main world religions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Religious beliefs and practices that are polytheistic or centred on nature worship, typically outside the main world religions.
Any set of beliefs, values, or activities regarded as lacking spiritual or moral values from the perspective of a dominant religious or cultural system (e.g., materialism).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Both use the term identically.
Connotations
In both, the term can have a neutral/academic or a pejorative connotation depending on context. In the UK, there may be stronger immediate historical associations with Roman and Celtic history.
Frequency
Similar frequency; slightly more common in UK media due to historical/archaeological reporting on pre-Roman/ Anglo-Saxon history.
Grammar
How to Use “paganism” in a Sentence
adoption of paganismconversion from paganism to Christianitya revival in paganismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paganism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No direct verb. Use phrases like 'to practise paganism'.)
American English
- (No direct verb. Use phrases like 'to follow pagan ways'.)
adverb
British English
- (Rarely derived. 'Paganistically' is non-standard.)
American English
- (Rarely derived. Use adverbial phrases like 'in a pagan manner'.)
adjective
British English
- The pagan beliefs of the tribe were well documented.
- They visited a pagan shrine in the woods.
American English
- The pagan festival attracted thousands of participants.
- She studied pagan rituals for her thesis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in religious studies, history, anthropology, and archaeology departments.
Everyday
Rare, except in specific discussions about religion, history, or alternative spirituality.
Technical
Used precisely in religious studies to categorise belief systems; may be avoided by modern practitioners who prefer specific terms like 'Heathenry' or 'Wicca'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paganism”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paganism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paganism”
- Using 'paganism' as a synonym for 'satanism' (it is not).
- Assuming all paganism is ancient; modern forms exist.
- Capitalisation: not normally capitalised unless starting a sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Atheism is the absence of belief in any deity. Paganism is a positive belief in multiple deities, spirits, or a divine force in nature.
Yes. Modern Paganism (or Neopaganism) includes various movements like Wicca, Heathenry, and Druidry, which revive or reconstruct ancient pagan practices.
Historically, it was a derogatory term used by Christians to label non-believers (meaning 'rustic' or 'civilian'). Some modern practitioners reclaim it, while others prefer specific names for their path.
Polytheism (belief in many gods) is a key feature of most pagan religions, but paganism also encompasses specific historical/cultural traditions, nature reverence, and ritual practices beyond just the theological count of gods.
Religious beliefs and practices that are polytheistic or centred on nature worship, typically outside the main world religions.
Paganism is usually academic, formal, historical in register.
Paganism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪɡənɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪɡəˌnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a slide into paganism”
- “the old ways of paganism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PAGE in a history book about ANCIENT villagers (from Latin 'paganus' = villager) worshipping nature gods.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAGANISM IS A NATURAL/PRIMAL RELIGION (versus an institutional/codified one).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core semantic component of 'paganism'?