Meaning & Definition of word "Heresy"

Heresy

/ˈhɛr.ə.si/

1. A belief or opinion that deviates from established doctrine, especially in a religious context.
- Example: The church condemned his ideas as heresy, leading to his excommunication.
2. Any belief or theory that is profoundly at variance with accepted beliefs or customs.
- Example: The scientist's revolutionary theories were considered heresy by the conservative factions of the academic community.
3. A denial of a central doctrine of a religious faith.
- Example: To suggest that there is no afterlife was viewed as heresy by the followers of that religion.

●From Middle English heresie, from Old French heresie, from Latin haeresis, from Greek hairesis (ἡαίρεσις) meaning 'choice, faction'.

heresy of belief:

A belief that significantly deviates from traditional views.

intellectual heresy:

Challenging established academic or philosophical ideas.

orthodoxy:

The established or accepted doctrine, particularly in religious contexts.

sect:

A group of people with somewhat different beliefs from those of a larger group.

Meaning: A radical opinion that challenges mainstream ideas.

● Example Sentence: His theory was labeled as heresy in the conservative circles.

Meaning: Any extreme or unconventional idea that provokes strong disagreement.

● Example Sentence: Her views on climate change were considered straight-up heresy by her peers.