Heathen

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈhiðən/

Definitions of heathen

noun a person who does not belong to a widely held religion (especially one who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim)

Example Sentences

A1 Heathens do not believe in the same god as Christians.

A2 The heathen tribes worshipped nature spirits.

B1 The missionary tried to convert the heathen villagers to Christianity.

B2 The heathen rituals were a mix of ancient traditions and superstitions.

C1 Historically, heathens were often seen as pagans by monotheistic religions.

C2 The heathen practices of the indigenous people were misunderstood by the colonizers.

Examples of heathen in a Sentence

formal The missionary tried to convert the heathen tribes in the remote jungle.

informal My grandmother referred to anyone who wasn't religious as a heathen.

slang Some people think anyone who doesn't follow their beliefs is a heathen.

figurative In the eyes of the strict religious community, anyone who questioned their beliefs was considered a heathen.

Grammatical Forms of heathen

past tense

heathened

plural

heathens

comparative

more heathen

superlative

most heathen

present tense

heathens

future tense

will heathen

perfect tense

have heathened

continuous tense

is heathening

singular

heathen

positive degree

heathen

infinitive

to heathen

gerund

heathening

participle

heathening

Origin and Evolution of heathen

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'heathen' originated from the Old English word 'hæðen', which meant 'one who lives on the heath'. The heath was an uncultivated open land, and those who lived there were often seen as outsiders or non-believers.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'heathen' came to be associated with non-Christians or those who did not adhere to the dominant religion of the time. It later took on a more derogatory connotation, implying a lack of civilization or morality. In modern usage, 'heathen' is often used informally to refer to someone who is irreligious or pagan.