Gentile

/ˈdʒɛn.taɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is not Jewish, often used in a religious context.

In the book, the missionary spoke to both Jews and gentiles about the new teachings.

A non-Israelite person; a term used in Jewish texts.

The festival was attended by both Israelites and gentiles celebrating together.

From Latin 'gentilis' meaning 'of the same clan or family, foreign, non-Jewish.'

gentile culture

The customs and social practices of non-Jewish societies.

gentile community

A community primarily composed of non-Jews.

Jew

A member of the Jewish people; a follower of Judaism.

Judaism

The monotheistic religion of the Jews, based on the Torah.

Used derogatorily to refer to a non-Jew.

Some might use 'gentile' in a dismissive tone when referring to outsiders.

Often used neutrally in conversations about religious or cultural identity.

She described her gentile friends with no connotation of offense.