What does gentile mean?
Gentile is a word chiefly used for a person who is not Jewish, and it can also function as an adjective describing non-Jewish people, groups, or cultures. In older English, especially in religious and historical writing, it could refer more broadly to pagans or people outside Christianity. The term often appears in discussions of ancient societies, biblical texts, and the historical development of religions, where the distinction between Jewish and non-Jewish communities is important. Modern usage is more likely to center on the Jewish and non-Jewish distinction, while the older Christian-versus-pagan sense can sound dated or unnecessarily archaic. Because the word has a strongly historical and religious profile, it is more appropriate in formal, literary, or specialized contexts than in everyday conversation. Its unusual history also makes it a useful example of how a word’s religious associations can shape its meaning over time.
A person who is not Jewish; in older usage, a person who is not a Christian, especially a pagan.
"They were regarded by the community as Gentiles."
The non-Christian or pagan sense is now largely historical or literary.
Relating to or designating a non-Jewish person or group; in older usage, non-Christian or pagan.
"The Gentile nations were addressed in the early Christian writings."
Capitalization is sometimes used in formal religious or historical writing.
The standard plural of the noun; it may be capitalized in formal religious or historical contexts.
"The author discusses the experiences of the Gentiles in the ancient world."
From Latin gentilis, meaning “of the gens” or “of a clan,” gentile developed into a word for those outside a religious community.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gentile come from?
The English word comes through Middle English gentil from Latin gentilis, an adjective meaning “of the gens,” or “of a clan or family.” Latin gentilis was extended to mean “foreign” or “not belonging to one’s own people,” and the English word later acquired religious senses distinguishing non-Jews from Jewish communities and, in older usage, non-Christians or pagans from Christians. Its relatives include gentle, genteel, gentleman, and gentility, all reflecting the same Latin family or clan root.
Related word forms
How gentile is actually used
The word is usually lowercase when used generically, while capitalized “Gentile” appears in some older and religious contexts, especially when referring to non-Jewish peoples. Its non-Christian or pagan sense is dated, whereas the distinction between Jewish and non-Jewish usage remains familiar in historical, religious, and cultural discussion.
Easily confused with gentile
Gentile concerns identity or religious and cultural classification, especially being non-Jewish, while gentle describes mildness, kindness, or a light touch.