What does pagan mean?
Pagan is an adjective and noun associated with religions outside the Christian tradition. In its historical sense, it commonly refers to the polytheistic religions of the ancient Mediterranean and the deities, rituals, temples, and festivals connected with them. As a noun, a pagan is someone who follows such a religion; as an adjective, “pagan gods” or “pagan beliefs” means gods or beliefs belonging to it. The term is also sometimes used more broadly for pre-Christian or non-Christian traditions, including those that are not explicitly polytheistic. In contemporary discussion, “pagan” can carry the implication of something primitive, foreign, or opposed to Christianity, and it may therefore sound dismissive when applied to a living person. Describing the specific tradition directly is generally more accurate and respectful.
Relating to a non-Christian religion, especially a pre-Christian or polytheistic religion.
"The carved stones depict pagan symbols associated with fertility and the seasons."
The adjective may imply a contrast with Christianity and can sound dismissive or exoticizing when used loosely in modern contexts.
A person who follows a non-Christian religion, especially a pre-Christian or polytheistic religion.
"Roman authorities regarded the community as pagan and prohibited its religious ceremonies."
When describing a specific living individual or community, naming the actual tradition is usually more precise and respectful.
The regular plural of the noun.
"The speech argued that pagans and Christians should be allowed to worship freely."
The word once meant a country dweller, but centuries of religious use turned “pagan” into a label for beliefs outside Christianity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pagan
The word comes through Old French from Latin paganus, originally a “country dweller” or “villager,” derived from pagus, meaning “village” or “country district.” In ecclesiastical Latin, paganus came to mean a person living outside the Christian world, and the English word developed from that religious sense. Latin paganus also underlies cognates such as “peasant” and “pays,” while “paganize” was formed within the same Latin-derived vocabulary.
Related word forms
How pagan is actually used
Historically, “pagan” was contrasted specifically with Christianity, so it does not necessarily imply opposition to religion in general. Modern usage often extends it to pre-Christian, polytheistic, or non-Christian religious practices and their adherents. The word can sound dismissive or exoticizing when applied casually to contemporary people, so precise descriptions of a belief system are usually preferable.
Easily confused with pagan
The words have historically overlapped, but “heathen” is now generally dated and may be offensive when used to describe a person’s religion.