noun
pagan
A person without religious belief, often said disparagingly.
She calls me a pagan because I have no religious beliefs.
Etymology
Latin paganus acquired a Christian meaning for someone outside the faith. English later broadened the label to people regarded as having no religion, often disparagingly.
More examples
- He jokingly describes himself as a pagan, with no faith at all.
- To her devout aunt, anyone without religion is a pagan.
- They resent being called pagans simply because they have no religious beliefs.
Forms
pagan · pagans
Similar words
- atheist
- Specifically lacks belief in gods, rather than religion generally.
- unbeliever
- Lacks religious faith; often used from a believer's perspective.