Infidel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infidel

[ˈɪnfɪdəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious belief

A person who does not believe in a particular religion, especially the one they were brought up in.

Synonyms

heathen, nonbeliever, unbeliever.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
infidel	Often used in a religious context to describe someone who does not believe in a particular doctrine. It can have a negative connotation and might be considered offensive. They considered him an infidel because he did not follow their religious customs. During the historical crusades, soldiers would often refer to opponents as infidels.
unbeliever	Similar to 'nonbeliever,' this word is generally neutral and refers to someone who does not hold religious beliefs. It may sometimes be used in a slightly more negative sense depending on the context. He was labeled an unbeliever by his religious family. Unbelievers often question the existence of a higher power.
heathen	Used to describe someone who does not follow the major religions. This term can be considered archaic and offensive, carrying a negative implication. The missionaries aimed to convert the heathen populations. In old books, people from distant lands were often called heathens.
nonbeliever	A more neutral term used to describe someone who does not subscribe to a particular set of religious beliefs. It tends to be less offensive. Jane considered herself a nonbeliever and did not attend church services. In a discussion about faith, it's important to respect the views of nonbelievers.

Examples of usage

The extremist group considered anyone who did not follow their faith to be an infidel.
The infidel was shunned by the community for their lack of religious beliefs.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

In historical contexts, used to refer to someone who does not follow a specific religion, particularly in the context of religious wars or conflicts.

Synonyms

apostate, heretic, nonconformist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
infidel	This word is often used in religious contexts to describe someone who does not believe in the accepted religion. It can have a negative, even offensive, connotation. He was considered an infidel because he refused to accept the teachings of the church.
nonconformist	This term describes someone who does not conform to societal standards, norms, or traditions. It is broader and not limited to religious contexts. It's not necessarily negative. She was a nonconformist, always questioning and challenging societal norms.
heretic	This word is used for someone who holds beliefs that are in strong disagreement with established, widely accepted religious doctrines. It frequently carries a negative connotation. His controversial ideas led the church to declare him a heretic.
apostate	This term is used to describe someone who has abandoned their faith or religion. It is often used in a negative way. She was labeled an apostate after she publicly renounced her religious beliefs.

Examples of usage

During the Crusades, Muslims were often labeled as infidels by the Christian forces.
The term infidel was used to justify violence against those of different religious beliefs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'infidel'

The word 'infidel' has its roots in Latin, where 'infidelis' meant 'unfaithful' or 'disloyal'. It was later adopted into Old French and Middle English with the same meaning. In the context of religion, 'infidel' has often been used to denote those who do not adhere to a specific faith, particularly in times of religious conflict and intolerance.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,678, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18675 harass
18676 christened
18677 unsuspecting
18678 infidel
18679 attackers
18680 wedlock
18681 billiard
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