Croyant

Croyant is a French term used as a noun and as an adjective to denote a person who believes, especially a believer in a religion, or more broadly someone who adheres to a system of beliefs. In everyday use, it can refer to a devout individual as well as to any adherent of a doctrine.

Etymology: from Old French croire “to believe,” from Latin credere. The masculine noun form is “un croyant”; the feminine is “une croyante.” The plural is “les croyants” or “les croyantes” in feminine. The present participle form “croyant” also functions as an adjective meaning “believing,” but in practice the noun sense is more common.

Usage: In religious contexts, “croyant” distinguishes believers from non-believers or atheists (e.g., “croyants et non-croyants”). It is a neutral or slightly formal term; it can convey sincerity or devotion but does not inherently indicate a specific creed. The term can be used generically for adherents of any belief system, including philosophical or political ideologies.

Related terms: “croyance” (the belief itself), “foi” (faith), “fidèle” (the faithful), and “athée” or “agnostique” for non-believers. In modern discourse, writers and scholars may prefer “adherents” or “believers” depending on context.