Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who holds beliefs or opinions that oppose or deviate from the official or orthodox doctrines of a particular group, especially a religious one. This is the primary meaning, focusing on dissent from established religious teachings.
   • A person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion). This broader sense extends the concept to any area of thought, such as science, politics, or art, where someone challenges the accepted norms or dogmas.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The medieval church often condemned scientists as heretics for challenging geocentric views.
  • In the company, she was considered a heretic for opposing the traditional marketing strategy.
  • His theories were so radical that his colleagues labeled him a heretic within the field of physics.

Advanced Usage

• "To be branded/labeled a heretic": To be publicly denounced or characterized as holding dangerously unorthodox views.
  • The philosopher was branded a heretic and exiled for his writings.
• "Heretical ideas/thoughts": The beliefs or opinions themselves that deviate from orthodoxy. (Note: This is the adjectival form, listed here to show common collocation with the noun).
  • The council convened to discuss the spread of heretical ideas among the populace.

Variants and Related Words

• Heretical (adj): Characterized by or holding beliefs contrary to orthodox doctrine.
  • His heretical views made him unpopular with the establishment.
• Heresy (n): The belief or opinion itself that is contrary to orthodox religious (or other) doctrine.
  • Speaking out was considered an act of heresy.

Synonyms

• Dissenter: One who disagrees with an established opinion, especially in matters of religion or politics.
• Nonconformist: A person whose behavior or views do not conform to prevailing ideas or practices.
• Schismatic: Specifically, a person who promotes or engages in a schism, a division within a group, especially a church. (This implies causing a split, whereas a heretic may not necessarily form a new group).
• Iconoclast: Literally a "breaker of icons"; figuratively, a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.

Related Phrases

• "To be tried for heresy": To be put on trial for holding and professing beliefs deemed heretical.
  • Galileo was tried for heresy by the Roman Inquisition.

Related Idioms

• "A voice crying in the wilderness": This idiom describes a person who proclaims an unpopular truth or idea, often facing indifference or hostility, similar to the isolation a heretic might face. (Note: This is a conceptual link, not a direct synonym).
  • For years, her warnings about climate change made her a voice crying in the wilderness.

Noun

1. a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion)
2. a person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church