heresy
heresy Lexical Profile
heresy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A belief or religious doctrine that is contrary to the orthodox tenets of a church or religious system, or the adherence to such beliefs.
"During the Middle Ages, scholars who challenged the Church's cosmological views were often accused of heresy."
An opinion, practice, or theory that strongly conflicts with generally accepted standards, customs, or orthodoxy in any non-religious field.
"In traditional culinary circles, adding cream to an authentic carbonara sauce is considered absolute heresy."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Heresy' refers to holding a doctrine that deviates from an established religious dogma from within that faith, whereas 'apostasy' is the complete abandonment of a religion, and 'blasphemy' is irreverent speech directed against the sacred.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Old French 'heresie' and Late Latin 'haeresis' from Ancient Greek 'hairesis', originally meaning 'a taking or choosing for oneself' and later 'a philosophical sect or school of thought', derived from the verb 'hairein' (to take or choose).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.