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
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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."
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Pagan as an adjective (by extension, pejorative):
Savage, immoral, uncivilized, wild.
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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."
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Pagan as a noun (by extension, pejorative):
An uncivilized or unsocialized person.
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Pagan as a noun (by extension, pejorative):
An unruly, badly educated child.
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Paynim as a noun (archaic):
A pagan or heathen, especially a Muslim, or a Jew.