heresy
C1formal, academic, religious
Definition
Meaning
A belief or opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted, especially in a religious context.
Any opinion or doctrine strongly contrary to established principles, customs, or beliefs in a secular field (e.g., science, politics, art).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically carries strong negative connotations of danger, betrayal, and deviation from orthodoxy, often punishable. In modern secular use, it can be employed more lightly to describe radical dissent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. The word's use may be slightly more common in British English due to the established state church.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are heavily negative in religious contexts; in secular contexts, it can be dramatic or slightly playful.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday conversation, more common in writing, theology, history, and opinion journalism.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[commit/be guilty of/accuse someone of] heresyheresy [against/in] the church/doctrine/party lineIt is heresy to suggest that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It is heresy to suggest...”
- “Heresy! (exclamation of mock or genuine outrage)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'Proposing to cut the marketing budget was considered economic heresy.'
Academic
Frequent in religious studies, history, and philosophy to describe doctrinal deviations.
Everyday
Rare. Used for dramatic effect: 'Saying you don't like tea is heresy in this office!'
Technical
In theology, a precise term for a belief declared false by ecclesiastical authority.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'To heresise' is an archaic verb; modern usage prefers phrases like 'commit heresy' or 'preach heresy'.
American English
- The verb 'to heresy' is not standard; use 'to be heretical' or 'to espouse heresy'.
adverb
British English
- He spoke heretically about the party's founding principles.
American English
- The theory was heretically opposed to the scientific consensus.
adjective
British English
- His views were considered deeply heretical by the council.
American English
- She was accused of promoting heretical doctrines.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the past, people could be punished for heresy.
- The scientist's radical theory was dismissed as heresy by his colleagues.
- The cardinal was charged with heresy for questioning the infallibility of the papal decree.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HERE Say' – if you say it HERE, in this orthodox group, it's forbidden.
Conceptual Metaphor
HERESY IS A POISON / HERESY IS A DISEASE / HERESY IS TREASON (against a belief system).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ересь' (yeres'), which is a direct cognate and carries identical core meaning, but is less commonly used in modern secular Russian. Be aware of the identical negative historical weight.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'heresy' (belief) with 'blasphemy' (disrespectful act/speech). Misspelling as 'herasy' or 'heresay'. Using it for minor disagreements rather than fundamental ones.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is the closest synonym for 'heresy' in a religious context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Heresy is about holding and promoting a belief contrary to orthodox doctrine. Blasphemy is about showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things or God, often through speech or action. One can commit blasphemy without heresy (e.g., cursing God while believing in Him), and heresy without blasphemy (e.g., quietly holding an unorthodox belief).
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically in fields like politics, science, art, and business to describe an idea that radically contradicts established norms or dogmas (e.g., 'Keynesian heresy', 'architectural heresy').
It is not common in everyday spoken English. It is primarily used in formal, academic, historical, or religious contexts, or for deliberate dramatic effect in informal situations.
A 'heretic'. The adjective form is 'heretical'.