The difference between Pagan and Paynim

When used as nouns, pagan means a person not adhering to an abrahamist religion, whereas paynim means a pagan or heathen, especially a muslim, or a jew.


Pagan is also adjective with the meaning: relating to, characteristic of or adhering to non-abrahamist religions (i.e. not christianity, judaism, or islam), especially earlier polytheism.

check bellow for the other definitions of Pagan and Paynim

  1. Pagan as an adjective:

    Relating to, characteristic of or adhering to non-Abrahamist religions (i.e. not Christianity, Judaism, or Islam), especially earlier polytheism.

    Examples:

    "Many converted societies transformed their pagan deities into saints."

  2. Pagan as an adjective (by extension, pejorative):

    Savage, immoral, uncivilized, wild.

  1. Pagan as a noun:

    A person not adhering to an Abrahamist religion; a follower of a pantheistic or nature-worshipping religion.

    Examples:

    "This community has a surprising number of pagans."

  2. Pagan as a noun (by extension, pejorative):

    An uncivilized or unsocialized person.

  3. Pagan as a noun (by extension, pejorative):

    An unruly, badly educated child.

  1. Paynim as a noun (archaic):

    A pagan or heathen, especially a Muslim, or a Jew.