heretic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "heretic" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who holds an opinion that is contrary to accepted beliefs, or as an insult for someone who acts in an unorthodox way. For example, "The council labeled him a heretic for expressing his controversial views".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider, for example, his argument that if even the true church had the right to persecute the heretic, then every church would have that right, with the result that a heretical church would be in a position to persecute the true church.

SEP

From that time on, Jaruzelski said, Poland became the heretic in the bloc: he moved towards a settlement with Solidarity and paved the way for democratic reforms that led to Wałesa's election as president in 1990.

The Guardian

"It used to be it is accepted scientific wisdom the Earth is flat, and this heretic named Galileo was branded a denier," Cruz said.

The Guardian

It is deeply disappointing that UWA has lost this opportunity because of toxic politics, ad hominen attacks and premature judgment... "Some Australian activists have called me a climate change heretic.

The Guardian

With less hyperbole but plenty of exasperation, Mr Sullivan, an advocate of marriage equality since the 1990s, was first out of the gates to lament the "hounding of a heretic": "You want to squander the real gains we have made by argument and engagement by becoming just as intolerant of others' views as the Christianists?

The Economist

Usually, the fate of such a heretic would be the worst of all to be either ignored or patronised.

The Economist

Soon after my Pelagian period, I did a one-eighty and became a strict Augustinian (ie, not a heretic at all), but that didn't last long, because then I was up to my ears in Patripassianism, a sneaky heresy that says the Father shared the Son's earthly sufferings voluntarily.

The Economist

A plane that thinks it's a boat A car that runs on water The ultimate game gear Zap! You're not dead Hearts and minds Health 2.0 The world on your desktop The trouble with computers Nuclear dawn A patent improvement Borrowing from nature Jolly green heretic ReprintsMaking computers simpler to operate would help the people who use them and the companies that produce them.

The Economist

A plane that thinks it's a boat A car that runs on water The ultimate game gear Zap! You're not dead Hearts and minds Health 2.0 The world on your desktop The trouble with computers Nuclear dawn A patent improvement Borrowing from nature Jolly green heretic ReprintsAn efficient patent system is essential for the promotion of innovation.

The Economist

Meanwhile, at the Royal Court, "The Heretic" sketches the countervailing dangers of groupthink for an academic who disagrees with climate-change orthodoxy.

The Economist

Every black-footed ferret alive today is a descendant of one of seven of these ferrets.In this section Let it Snow Sweet success Houston, we have another problem A Pandora's box Hard to defend Ol' black-foot is back The heretic Beyond the pale ReprintsSo far scientists have bred 4,000 ferrets and introduced 1,000 into the wild.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heretic", be aware of its strong connotations, particularly in religious or ideological contexts. Consider whether a more neutral term like "dissenter" or "nonconformist" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid applying the term "heretic" loosely to any disagreement. The term traditionally applies to those who deviate from established religious or ideological dogma, not merely differing opinions.

Linguistic Context

"Heretic" functions primarily as a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it identifies someone holding unorthodox beliefs. As an adjective, it describes something related to heresy or heretics. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, from religious to scientific discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "heretic" is a powerful word used to describe someone who dissents from established beliefs, particularly in religious or ideological contexts. As Ludwig confirms, "heretic" can be used as both a noun and an adjective, though it carries strong connotations and should be used carefully. When writing, consider whether a more neutral term like "dissenter" or "nonconformist" might be more appropriate to avoid unintended bias or offense. The frequent use of "heretic" in News & Media and Scientific sources indicates its relevance in discussions about challenges to conventional thinking. Therefore, writers should understand both the historical and contemporary implications before employing the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissenter

Focuses on the act of disagreeing with established beliefs.

nonconformist

Highlights the rejection of prevailing norms and practices.

apostate

Emphasizes the abandonment of a religious or political belief.

rebel

Indicates resistance against authority or convention.

iconoclast

Implies challenging and overturning traditional ideas.

maverick

Suggests independence and unconventionality in thought and action.

unorthodox thinker

Highlights the deviation from conventional thought processes.

free spirit

Emphasizes independence and lack of conformity.

radical

Implies advocating for significant or fundamental changes.

revisionist

Focuses on reinterpreting established ideas or historical narratives.

FAQs

How is "heretic" used in a sentence?

You can use "heretic" to describe someone who dissents from established beliefs, like, "He was labeled a "heretic" for questioning the company's core values."

What are some synonyms for "heretic"?

Alternatives for "heretic" include "dissenter", "nonconformist", or "apostate", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "heretic" in a professional setting?

Using "heretic" in a professional context can be seen as overly critical or judgmental. Consider using less charged terms like "dissenter" or "contrarian" to express disagreement.

What is the historical context of the word "heretic"?

Historically, "heretic" referred to individuals who opposed established religious doctrines and was often associated with persecution. Understanding this history is crucial for using the word responsibly.