heathen
1hea·then
adj \ˈhē-thən\Definition of HEATHEN
1
: of or relating to heathens, their religions, or their customs
2
Examples of HEATHEN
- <old missionaries who mistakenly thought that they were going off to China to tame the heathen hordes>
Origin of HEATHEN
Middle English hethen, from Old English hǣthen; akin to Old High German heidan heathen, and probably to Old English hǣth heath
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to HEATHEN
Synonyms: barbarian, barbaric, barbarous, savage, heathenish, natural, Neanderthal (or Neandertal), rude, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild
Antonyms: civilized
Near Antonyms: cultured, enlightened, humane, sophisticated; genteel, polished, polite, refined, urbane, well-bred; semicivilized
Other Christian Religious Terms
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