apostasy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, academic, religious
Quick answer
What does “apostasy” mean?
The formal renunciation or abandonment of a previously held religious faith, political belief, or doctrine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The formal renunciation or abandonment of a previously held religious faith, political belief, or doctrine.
Any act of abandoning or deserting a principle, cause, or party, especially one previously supported.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both use 'apostasy' as the standard noun form.
Connotations
Primarily identical; in both dialects, the word retains its strong religious and ideological resonance.
Frequency
Equally uncommon in everyday speech in both regions, found mainly in formal writing, theology, political analysis, and historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “apostasy” in a Sentence
apostasy from [religion/party/doctrine]apostasy to [new belief/system]an act of apostasythe apostasy of [person/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apostasy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was threatened with excommunication should he apostatise from the church's teachings.
American English
- The regime brutally punished those who dared to apostatize from the state ideology.
adverb
British English
- He acted apostatically, publicly burning his former party's manifesto.
American English
- She spoke apostatically about the doctrines she once championed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could metaphorically describe a key executive leaving to join a direct competitor.
Academic
Common in history, theology, political science, and sociology to describe ideological or religious defection.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in a figurative or humorous way to describe abandoning a strong personal conviction (e.g., a diet).
Technical
A specific term in theology and canon law denoting the complete abandonment of the Christian faith.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apostasy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apostasy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apostasy”
- Pronouncing it as 'a-POST-a-see'. Correct stress is on the second syllable: 'a-POS-ta-sy'.
- Confusing it with 'apathy' (lack of interest) or 'apostle' (a follower/messenger).
- Using it for trivial changes of opinion instead of profound ideological shifts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin and most common historical usage are religious, it is now also used for the abandonment of any strongly held belief, ideology, or political party.
Apostasy is the complete abandonment or renunciation of a faith or belief system. Heresy is the denial or deviation from specific, orthodox doctrines while still remaining within the broader system.
Yes, such a person is called an 'apostate' (noun) or described as 'apostate' (adjective).
Rarely. The term inherently carries a negative, judgmental connotation from the perspective of the abandoned group. However, a writer might use it positively to frame an act as courageous rebellion against dogma.
The formal renunciation or abandonment of a previously held religious faith, political belief, or doctrine.
Apostasy is usually formal, literary, academic, religious in register.
Apostasy: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɒstəsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɑːstəsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to commit apostasy”
- “a sin of apostasy”
- “to fall into apostasy”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A POST-it note fell ASY' — imagine leaving your beliefs behind like a Post-it note that falls away.
Conceptual Metaphor
APOSTASY IS A FALL (from grace). APOSTASY IS TREASON (against a belief system).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates the concept of 'apostasy'?