adj
pagan
PAY-guhn
adj
1
Relating to religions or spiritual practices outside the major world religions, often nature-based or polytheistic.
"The festival mixed pagan and Christian traditions."
noun
1
A follower of such a religion.
"Modern pagans often celebrate the solstices."
How to Use Pagan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) tied to an older, often nature-based religion outside mainstream Christianity, Islam, or Judaism.
Common pairings
pagan ritual
pagan festival
neo-pagan
Word Forms
Pagans plural
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The festival mixed _____ and Christian traditions.
Etymology
From Latin paganus, originally meaning "rural" or "civilian." Early Christians used it to describe country-dwellers who kept older, non-Christian beliefs.