Heresy
A belief or opinion that goes against the orthodox or established doctrine, especially in religion.
nounHeresy
A belief or opinion that goes against the orthodox or established doctrine, especially in religion.
nounImagine This
Everyone has a different opinion on chocolate, but in general everyone accepts Hershey bars are delicious.
Sounds Like
HER-uh-see
Looks Like
Hershey (chocolate bar)
Remember This
Heresy traditionally refers to beliefs that challenge established religious dogma; the term has historical weight and is often used in debates about faith and orthodoxy.
Other Forms
Connect With
dissent, orthodoxy, dogma, heterodoxy, apostasy
Note
Heresy is a strong, sometimes controversial term. Use it carefully and primarily in historical or religious contexts; in secular contexts, favor words like dissent or nonconformity when appropriate.
Study Deeper
- During the Middle Ages, questioning church authority was often condemned as heresy.
- The philosopher was accused of heresy for challenging the established doctrines of the time.
From Latin haeresis, via Greek hairein meaning 'to choose' or 'to take a different path'; originally referred to choosing a different doctrine or sect from the accepted one.
Mnemonic: He Rejects Established Sacred Yokes. The initial letters H-E-R-E-S-Y recall the word and remind you that a heresy is a belief that rejects established sacred dogma.
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Elaborate
verbTo explain or describe something in greater detail; to add more information. As an adjective, describing something that is highly detailed or ornate.
Animosity
nounHostility or enmity; a strong feeling of dislike that leads to active opposition.
Experimentation
nounThe process of conducting tests and trials to discover or verify something; the systematic testing of hypotheses or ideas.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Dissent
nounA public or formal expression of disagreement with a policy, decision, or widely held view.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling