heathen crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "heathen crossword", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "heathen crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PAGAN: A term for someone who does not belong to one of the main world religions, often used to describe ancient polytheistic people.
7 Letters
GENTILE: Historically, a term used by Jews to refer to non-Jews. In a broader sense, often used similarly to 'heathen' in older texts.
INFIDEL: A derogatory term used by adherents of one religion to refer to those who do not believe in that religion, or who adhere to another religion.
ATHEIST: A person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.
10 Letters
UNBELIEVER: Someone who lacks religious faith or does not accept a particular religious doctrine.
More About "heathen crossword"
The term "heathen" has a long and complex history, originating from Old English and often meaning a "dweller on the heath" or uncultivated land. Historically, it was used by Christians to describe people who were not Christians, Jews, or Muslims, particularly those practicing polytheistic or indigenous religions. In crosswords, the clue "heathen" often tests your knowledge of synonyms for non-believers, outsiders, or those with different spiritual paths.
While the word 'heathen' can carry negative connotations of being uncivilized or irreligious, in the context of crosswords, it primarily serves as a linguistic pointer to words like PAGAN, GENTILE, or INFIDEL. The specific answer usually depends on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Understanding the various historical and religious contexts of these terms can be crucial for selecting the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the number of letters your potential answer has. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down options for clues like "heathen".
- Check Intersecting Words: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing clues. These fixed letters are vital for confirming or eliminating possible answers.
- Consider Nuance: While "heathen," "pagan," and "infidel" are related, they have subtle differences in meaning and connotation. Sometimes the puzzle setter will hint at these nuances, such as "non-Christian" (GENTILE) versus "non-believer" (INFIDEL).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'heathen' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'heathen' typically refers to someone who does not adhere to mainstream religions, or someone perceived as uncivilized or irreligious. Common answers include PAGAN, INFIDEL, or GENTILE, depending on the number of letters and other crossing clues.
Are there different lengths for 'heathen' answers?
Yes, answers for 'heathen' can vary greatly in length. For example, PAGAN (5 letters), GENTILE (7 letters), INFIDEL (7 letters), or UNBELIEVER (10 letters) are all possibilities, requiring you to match the available spaces in your grid.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'PAGAN' and 'INFIDEL'?
The best way is to use crossing letters. If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, these will quickly narrow down the possibilities. Also, consider the nuance of the clue or any additional qualifiers it might provide, as 'infidel' often carries a more negative connotation than 'pagan' or 'gentile'.