heathens

as ininfidel

as inatheist
as inpagan
as inskeptic
as innonbeliever
as inunbeliever

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Synonyms for heathens

noun nonbeliever

Word Origin & History

Old English hæðen "not Christian or Jewish," also as a noun, "heathen man" (especially of the Danes), merged with Old Norse heiðinn (adj.) "heathen, pagan."

Perhaps literally "pertaining to one inhabiting uncultivated land," from heath + -en (2). But historically assumed to be from Gothic haiþno "gentile, heathen woman," used by Ulfilas in the first translation of the Bible into a Germanic language (cf. Mark vii:26, for "Greek"); if so it could be a derivative of Gothic haiþi "dwelling on the heath," but this sense is not recorded. It may have been chosen on model of Latin paganus, with its root sense of "rural" (see pagan), or for resemblance to Greek ethne (see gentile), or it may be a literal borrowing of that Greek word, perhaps via Armenian hethanos [Sophus Bugge]. Like other basic words for exclusively Christian ideas (e.g. church) it likely would have come first into Gothic and then spread to other Germanic languages.

Example Sentences for heathens

If they are heathens and reprobates, they have nothing to do with prayers.

The Yankees think we are heathens, and that they are the elect who are to enlighten us.

They will eventually cease to be heathens, even if they do not all become Christians.

They knew the Samaritans only as Cuthites, or heathens from Cuth.

His first feat was the slaying of a hundred heathens; then he returned to Rymenhild.

This study, therefore, the offspring of "pagans and heathens," was not even given a trial.

The ages of the Sagas and the heathens have left behind their giant traces.

Still he had no rest when he thought that the English were living and dying as heathens.

The Gentiles and heathens have occupied it more and longer than the sons of Abraham.

What can you expect of children that come from heathens and savages?

heathens

Synonyms .css-1u0ksf7{color:#d9d9d9;}for heathens

Synonyms for heathens