Heresy: meaning, definitions and examples

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heresy

 

[ ˈherəsi ]

Context #1

religious beliefs

Heresy is any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs, especially in the context of religion. It is considered to be a departure from the traditional teachings of a church or religious organization.

Synonyms

apostasy, blasphemy, unorthodoxy

Examples of usage

  • Heresy was often met with severe punishment by the church.
  • The accused was charged with heresy for preaching ideas that contradicted the church's doctrine.
Context #2

general beliefs

In a broader sense, heresy can refer to any opinion or belief that is contrary to official or established views. It can also be used to describe ideas that challenge commonly accepted norms or practices.

Synonyms

dissent, nonconformity, rebellion

Examples of usage

  • The scientist's theory was considered heresy by his colleagues.
  • Questioning authority was seen as heresy in the conservative community.

Translations

Translations of the word "heresy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 heresia

🇮🇳 विधर्म

🇩🇪 Ketzerei

🇮🇩 bidah

🇺🇦 єресь

🇵🇱 herezja

🇯🇵 異端

🇫🇷 hérésie

🇪🇸 herejía

🇹🇷 sapıklık

🇰🇷 이단

🇸🇦 هرطقة

🇨🇿 kacířství

🇸🇰 kacírstvo

🇨🇳 异端

🇸🇮 herezija

🇮🇸 villutrú

🇰🇿 дінсіздік

🇬🇪 ერესობა

🇦🇿 kafirlik

🇲🇽 herejía

Word origin

The word 'heresy' originated from the Greek word 'hairesis,' meaning 'choice' or 'sect.' In early Christianity, heresy was seen as a challenge to the established orthodoxy of the church. Those accused of heresy were often persecuted or excommunicated. Over time, the concept of heresy expanded to include any belief or idea that deviated from accepted norms, not just in religious contexts.