heathens
word · lemma: heathen
Definition
'Heathens' refers to people who do not believe in the main world religions, especially from the perspective of someone within those religions. It can also mean people seen as uncivilized or not following accepted moral standards.
Usage & Nuances
'Heathens' is old-fashioned and usually used in a religious, sometimes offensive, context. It's often negative and refers to outsiders of a faith or to people seen as uncivilized. Not common in modern everyday English, except in historical, dramatic, or ironic use. Avoid using it about real groups to not cause offense.
Example Sentences
Long ago, people called those with different beliefs heathens.
basic
Some stories talk about battles with the heathens.
basic
They thought only heathens would act this way.
basic
She joked that her friends were behaving like heathens at the dinner table.
natural
People sometimes use heathens to describe those who ignore social rules.
natural
The band named their fans the 'heathens' as a playful nickname.
natural