Skip to main content

pagana person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpeɪɡən/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother still follows some pagan traditions, like leaving milk for forest spirits.
  • The Vikings were famous pagans who believed Thor controlled thunder with his mighty hammer.
  • Halloween has its roots in ancient pagan festivals celebrating the harvest and honoring the dead.

pagan

NOUN

[/ˈpeɪɡən/]

a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions

Worshipping outside mainstream religions
💡 Concept

Worshipping outside mainstream religions

A pagan, Reagan, and vegan - all beliefs in one scene!
🎵 Rhyme

A pagan, Reagan, and vegan - all beliefs in one scene!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈpeɪɡən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈpeɪɡən/

🌳Etymology

Rootpag-
Suffix--an

Origin

The word derives from Latin 'paganus', originally meaning 'countryman' or 'civilian'. As Christianity spread from urban centers, the term came to refer to those in rural areas who maintained traditional polytheistic religions, eventually acquiring its modern sense of 'non-believer' or 'heathen'.

Breakdown

paganus (Latin: countryman, from pagus meaning village or rural district) + -an (agent suffix) → pagan (one from the countryside; later, one outside the Christian faith).

🎵Rhyme

Reaganvegan
Reagan
vegan

🔗Collocations

pagan ritual
pagan gods
pagan festival
ancient pagan
pagan beliefs
pagan traditions

📝Examples

My grandmother still follows some pagan traditions, like leaving milk for forest spirits.

The Vikings were famous pagans who believed Thor controlled thunder with his mighty hammer.

Halloween has its roots in ancient pagan festivals celebrating the harvest and honoring the dead.

😄 Fun example

The professor jokingly called himself a 'coffee pagan' because he worshipped his morning espresso.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

heathenidolaterpolytheistgentileinfidel

Antonyms

monotheistChristianbeliever

Related

ritualmythologydeityworshiptradition

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.