Vocabulary in context
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Heresy
A belief or opinion that goes against the orthodox or established doctrine, especially in religion.
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Imagine This
Everyone has a different opinion on chocolate, but in general everyone accepts Hershey bars are delicious.
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Sounds Like
HER-uh-see
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Looks Like
Hershey (chocolate bar)
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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.
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Other Forms
Hereticnoun
Hereticaladjective
Hereticallyadverb
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Connect With
dissent, orthodoxy, dogma, heterodoxy, apostasy
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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.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- 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.
Synonyms
dissentheterodoxynonconformityblasphemy
Antonyms
orthodoxyconformityagreement
Etymology
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
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
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