pagan
English
Etymology
Recorded in English since c1375. From Latin pāgānus (“rural, rustic”), later "civilian". The meaning "not (Judeo-)Christian" arose in Vulgar Latin, probably from the 4th century.[1] It is unclear whether this usage is derived primarily from the "rustic" or from the "civilian" meaning, which in Roman army jargon meant 'clumsy'. As a self-designation of neopagans attested since 1990.
Pronunciation
Adjective
pagan (not comparable)
- Relating to, characteristic of or adhering to non-Abrahamist religions, especially earlier polytheism.
- Many converted societies transformed their pagan deities into saints.
- (by extension) Savage, immoral, uncivilized, wild.
Synonyms
- (religion): heathenish
- (civilisation): barbarian, barbaric
Antonyms
- (religion): Abrahamist, Judeo-Christian
Hyponyms
- pantheistic
- nature-worshipping
- neo-pagan
Derived terms
Translations
relating to non-Biblical religions
immoral, uncivilized, savage
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked
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Noun
pagan (plural pagans)
- A person not adhering to any major or recognized religion, especially a heathen or non-Abrahamist, follower of a pantheistic or nature-worshipping religion, neopagan.
- This community has a surprising number of pagans.
- (by extension) An uncivilized or unsocialized person
- Especially an unruly, badly educated child.
Synonyms
- (heathen): paynim
- (uncivilised): philistine, savage
- (child): brat
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
person not adhering to any major or recognized religion
uncivilized or unsocialized person
unruly, badly educated child
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.