Heresy: meaning, definitions and examples

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heresy

[ˈherəsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
heresy	Heresy typically refers to beliefs or opinions that go against the established doctrine of a religious organization, often leading to serious consequences for the person holding those beliefs. The scientist was accused of heresy for claiming that the Earth revolves around the Sun
blasphemy	Blasphemy refers to speech or actions that show disrespect or irreverence toward religious beliefs, deities, or sacred things, often considered highly offensive. He was arrested for blasphemy after making offensive jokes about the religious texts
apostasy	Apostasy involves the act of abandoning or renouncing one's religious faith, often resulting in strong disfavor from the person's previous religious community. He faced severe backlash from his family and community after his public apostasy
unorthodoxy	Unorthodoxy describes behaviors, beliefs, or practices that diverge from what is generally accepted or traditional, but not necessarily in a strictly religious context. Her unorthodoxy in approaching classical music intrigued both fans and critics alike

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 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
heresy	Used when someone holds a belief that strongly goes against established religious doctrines or conventions. This word often carries a serious and negative connotation, especially in religious contexts. The scientist's theories were deemed heresy by the orthodox church. He was accused of heresy for questioning the fundamental beliefs of the religion.
dissent	Typically used in formal or political contexts to describe the act of holding or expressing opinions that are at variance with those officially held. It doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation. The politician did not hesitate to voice her dissent against the proposed law. There was much dissent among the committee members about the final decision.
rebellion	Used to describe an act of organized resistance or opposition, often against authority or government. This word is usually employed in a political or social context and can carry a negative or positive connotation depending on perspective. The people led a rebellion against the oppressive regime. His rebellious spirit often got him into trouble with school authorities.
nonconformity	Describes the act of not conforming to established customs, attitudes, or ideas. It is often used in social or cultural contexts and can have a neutral or even positive connotation as it can imply individuality or innovation. Her nonconformity in fashion made her stand out in the conservative community. Nonconformity in artistic expression is often celebrated in the modern art world.

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Greek word 'hairesis,' meaning choice or faction, primarily used to describe differing opinions in religious contexts.
During the Middle Ages, people accused of heresy faced severe punishments, including excommunication or execution, reflecting the intense power of the church.
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century was sparked by heretical ideas that challenged the Catholic Church, leading to the formation of various new denominations.

Religion

In Christianity, the term heresy relates to beliefs that diverge from accepted doctrines, with church councils historically determining what is heretical.
Many prominent figures in religious history were labeled heretics, such as Galileo, who faced opposition for supporting heliocentrism – the idea that the Earth orbits the Sun.
In Islam, the term is analogous to 'bid'ah,' or innovation, where introducing new practices can be viewed negatively if not properly grounded in tradition.

Literature

Several classic authors, such as Dante and Voltaire, engaged with the concept of heresy in their works, exploring themes of belief and free thought.
In George Orwell's '1984,' the idea of 'thoughtcrime' parallels the concept of heresy, representing control over individual beliefs by a totalitarian regime.
Franz Kafka often delved into existential themes against societal norms, illustrating heretical ideas through bizarre narratives.

Psychology

Psychologists study how groupthink can lead individuals to suppress their own beliefs in favor of the majority, a phenomenon that can create a culture where heresy is feared.
Cognitive dissonance may arise when someone holds beliefs that contradict societal norms, prompting discomfort that can lead them to either change their beliefs or confront social opposition.
The concept of 'lateral thinking' promotes creative problem-solving and can be seen as a modern form of heresy against conventional methods.

Pop Culture

Many movies and TV shows explore themes of heresy, such as in 'The Da Vinci Code,' where conspiracy and challenges to established beliefs drive the plot.
In the 'Star Wars' franchise, characters like the Jedi challenge the Sith's beliefs, which can be likened to heretical conflict within a fictional religion.
The term is often used to describe any unconventional or revolutionary ideas in music and art, highlighting how cultural shifts are sometimes viewed as 'heresy' by traditionalists.

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 Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,951, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10948 claws
10949 punishments
10950 enlightenment
10951 heresy
10952 diffused
10953 trembled
10954 teenagers
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