Heretic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A heretic is someone who holds beliefs that oppose or challenge the official teachings of a religion or established system, often facing rejection or condemnation for their views.
Definition:
A person who holds beliefs contrary to established religious or other accepted doctrines.
Synonyms:
dissenter, nonconformist, apostate, schismatic
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
believer, conformist
Common Collocations:
religious heretic, political heretic, branded a heretic, denounced as a heretic
Derivatives:
heretical, heresy
Usage Tips:
Use "heretic" to describe someone who challenges orthodox beliefs, often in a religious or ideological context.
Common Phrases:
burn the heretic, heretic's fate, heretic among believers
Etymology:
From Greek "hairetikos," meaning "able to choose," via Latin "haereticus."
Examples:
- 1. The church accused him of being a heretic for his unorthodox views.
- 2. She was labeled a heretic after rejecting the traditional teachings.
- 3. The medieval council condemned the heretic to exile.
- 4. His radical ideas made him a heretic among his peers.
- 5. They feared the heretic would corrupt others with his beliefs.