mahometan

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A follower of the Islamic faith: "Mahometan" refers to a person who believes in the religion of Islam, historically named after the prophet Muhammad (often spelled "Mahomet" in older English texts). This term is now considered archaic and often offensive, as it inaccurately suggests that Muslims worship Muhammad rather than God.

  2. Adjective:

    • Relating to Islam or its followers: "Mahometan" describes anything pertaining to the religion of Islam, its practices, or its adherents. Like the noun form, it is outdated and may be viewed as disrespectful.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The traveller described the customs of the Mahometans he met in North Africa. (A historical reference to followers of Islam, now considered outdated.)

  • Adjective:

    • The book contained a chapter on Mahometan architecture in medieval Spain. (Describing Islamic architectural styles, though the term is no longer standard.)
Advanced Usage

  • Historical context: "Mahometan" was commonly used in English from the 16th to the 19th centuries, often in travelogues, religious polemics, and scholarly works. It reflects a Western misunderstanding of Islam, as it implies that Muslims worship Muhammad (like Christians worship Christ), whereas Islam is strictly monotheistic. Modern usage is rare and generally avoided.

    • The 18th-century encyclopedia referred to the "Mahometan religion" in its entry on the Ottoman Empire. (A now-obsolete way of describing Islam.)

  • Derogatory connotation: Because of its inaccuracy and association with colonial or prejudiced attitudes, using "Mahometan" today can be seen as offensive. The preferred terms are "Muslim" (for a follower) and "Islamic" (for the religion or culture).

    • Some older texts still use "Mahometan," but it is considered a slur in contemporary discourse. (Highlighting its negative modern perception.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Mahometanism (n): an obsolete term for the religion of Islam.

    • He wrote a treatise on Mahometanism in the 19th century. (A historical term for Islamic faith.)

  • Mahometanize (v, rare): to convert to Islam or to make something Islamic in character.

    • The region was gradually Mahometanized after the conquest. (An archaic verb, now replaced by "Islamize.")
Synonyms

  • Muslim (n, modern): a follower of Islam.

    • She is a devout Muslim. (The correct and respectful term.)

  • Islamic (adj, modern): relating to Islam.

    • Islamic art is known for its geometric patterns. (The standard adjective.)

  • Muhammadan (n/adj, also archaic): an alternative spelling and synonym for "Mahometan," now similarly outdated.

    • The term "Muhammadan" is also considered obsolete. (A variant with the same issues.)
Related Idioms
  • No common idioms: "Mahometan" does not appear in standard English idioms due to its archaic and specialized nature. Idioms related to Islam or Muslims (e.g., "the Muslim world") use modern terminology.

Note on usage: This word is included for historical and lexicographic reference. In modern English, always use "Muslim" (noun) or "Islamic" (adjective) to refer to the faith and its followers.