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Glite Dictionary
🕌 A Muslim (old term) 📜 Islamic (old term)
Mohammedan

Mohammedan

9.9
A person who follows Islam, now an old and offensive word
  • noun
  • /məˈhæmədən/
  • Slur
translation icon : mahometano
  • The old documents referred to the population as Mohammedan rather than Muslim.

Examples

  • Many Mohammedans celebrate Ramadan with great enthusiasm.

  • Use of the term Mohammedan is discouraged today because it is considered outdated and inaccurate.

  • He wrote a book about the laws and customs of Mohammedan societies in the Middle Ages.

  • The Mohammedan community in London is very diverse.

  • In the early 20th century, many Mohammedans faced discrimination and prejudice in various societies.

  • During World War I, some Mohammedans joined the military to support their countries’ efforts.

  • The conference aimed to improve understanding between different faiths, including Mohammedans and Christians.

Synonyms

Muslim
vsMohammedan
621 1.1

A person who follows Islam

is an older, now offensive word rather than this neutral modern usage
Moslem
vsMohammedan
  • Archaic
3 9.3

Relating to Islam or the people who follow it

is an outdated and sometimes offensive label rather than the accepted modern term

Compounds

Mohammedan calendar
  • Offensive
9.7

Muslims use a moon-based calendar to date religious events and festivals

How Offensive

Mohammedan
  • Slur
9.9
Muslim
621 1.1

Surface Forms

Mohammedan singular
Mohammedans plural

Morphology

Mohammedan = Mohammed (transparent) = Mohammed + an

Formed by the personal name 'Mohammed' plus the productive suffix '-an' meaning 'person associated with', so the basic follower meaning is directly derivable.

Etymology

Mohammedan comes from the name Muhammad plus the English ending -an, which means 'related to', like in American, so it once meant 'a person of Muhammad' or a follower. Today this word is outdated and often seen as offensive, so 'Muslim' is the correct word to use.