heathens crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "heathens crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "heathens crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
PAGANS: This term refers to people who worship multiple gods or none, often used to describe non-Abrahamic religious practices.
8 Letters
INFIDELS: Often a pejorative term for one who does not believe in a particular religion, especially Christianity or Islam.
GENTILES: A term used by Jewish people to refer to non-Jews; also, historically, a general term for non-Christians.
9 Letters
IDOLATERS: Those who worship idols or images, frequently associated with polytheistic practices.
More About "heathens crossword clue"
"Heathen" is a word with a long and complex history, often appearing in crosswords to challenge solvers with its various nuanced meanings. Originally, it broadly referred to people living in open country (from "heath"), often implying those who were not Christian, Jew, or Muslim. Over time, it became a pejorative term for anyone not sharing one's own religious or cultural beliefs, synonymous with "unbeliever" or "barbarian."
In the context of crosswords, the clue "heathens" almost always points to a synonym for non-believers or adherents of non-mainstream religions. The specific answer usually depends on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters. Common solutions include "PAGANS," which shares a similar historical usage referring to polytheistic pre-Christian traditions, and "INFIDELS," often used in a more confrontational sense.
Understanding the historical and semantic breadth of "heathens" can greatly aid in solving related crossword clues. Look for answers that reflect a sense of being outside the dominant faith or cultural norm, whether in a descriptive, historical, or even derogatory sense, as clues can play on any of these aspects.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms Carefully: For clues like "heathens," the answer is almost always a synonym. Think broadly about words that mean "non-believers," "pagans," or people outside a specific religious group.
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters. This is the quickest way to narrow down potential answers. For "heathens," possibilities range from 6 letters (PAGANS) to longer words like INFIDELS or IDOLATERS.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve the clue in isolation. If you have any letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is often the key to unlocking tricky clues.
- Think About Context: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can provide subtle hints. Is it a historical puzzle? A religious one? The context might steer you towards a particular synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary meaning of 'heathens' in crossword clues?
In crossword clues, 'heathens' typically refers to people who do not adhere to one of the major monotheistic religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam), often synonymous with pagans or unbelievers. It's used to signify someone outside a dominant religious or cultural group.
Are 'heathens' and 'pagans' interchangeable in crosswords?
Yes, 'heathens' and 'pagans' are very often interchangeable in crosswords. Both terms denote individuals or groups adhering to polytheistic or non-Abrahamic beliefs, or simply those considered outside a specific religious mainstream. 'PAGANS' is a very common answer for 'heathens'.
What are some common word lengths for 'heathens' answers?
Common word lengths for answers to 'heathens' clues include 6 letters (e.g., PAGANS), 8 letters (e.g., INFIDELS, GENTILES), and 9 letters (e.g., IDOLATERS). The length often depends on the specific nuance or synonym the clue is looking for.