infidel
/'infidəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who does not acknowledge your god: An infidel is someone who does not believe in or follow the religion that the speaker considers to be the true one. Historically, the term is strongly associated with religious conflict and is often considered derogatory or offensive.
- A person who rejects a particular faith: More broadly, it can refer to someone who is seen as rejecting a specific religion, especially from the perspective of a believer of that religion.
Usage
- The term infidel is primarily used in religious contexts to denote a non-believer from the speaker's religious viewpoint.
- It is a loaded term with strong negative connotations, often implying disloyalty, heresy, or being an enemy of the faith. Its use can be inflammatory.
- It is most commonly found in historical texts, theological discussions, or polemical rhetoric.
Examples
- Noun:
- During the Crusades, European Christians often referred to Muslims as infidels.
- The extremist group declared war on all infidels.
- He was labeled an infidel for questioning the church's doctrines.
Advanced Usage
- "To play the infidel": (Archaic) To act as or pretend to be a non-believer; to engage in heresy.
- The philosopher was accused of playing the infidel with his radical ideas.
Variants and Related Words
Infidelity (n): Most commonly means unfaithfulness in a marriage or romantic relationship. Its original, now less common, meaning is a lack of religious faith.
- Marital infidelity is a common cause of divorce.
- (Archaic) He was condemned for his infidelity to the church.
Infidelic (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of an infidel. (Rare, scholarly)
- The text described their infidelic practices.
Synonyms
- Non-believer: A more neutral term for someone who lacks religious faith.
- Heathen: Often used for someone perceived as uncivilized or pagan, but also for a non-believer.
- Heretic: Specifically a person who holds beliefs contrary to the established teachings of their own religion.
- Unbeliever: A general term for someone who does not believe, especially in a specific religion.
Antonyms
- Believer: A person who has faith, especially religious faith.
- Faithful: Those who are loyal to a particular religion.
- Orthodox: Conforming to established religious doctrine.
Notes on Usage
- The word infidel originates from the Latin , meaning "unfaithful."
- Its use is highly sensitive. In modern interfaith dialogue, more neutral and respectful terms like "non-Muslim," "non-Christian," or "person of another faith" are preferred to avoid offense.
- In historical Islamic contexts, the Arabic term (كافر) is often translated as "infidel," though it carries specific theological nuances.
Noun
- a person who does not acknowledge your god