Definition

1. Noun:

   • Heresy; false doctrine: A belief or set of beliefs that deviates from the officially accepted or orthodox teachings of a religion, often considered deviant or harmful.
   • Paganism; heathenism (archaic): In older usage, refers to a religion different from the one considered orthodox or true; a non-mainstream or idolatrous religion.

2. Noun (figurative/archaic):

   • A wicked or immoral path: An improper, corrupt, or unjust way of life or course of action.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Giáo lý đó bị coi là tà đạo. (That doctrine is considered heresy.)
  • Vào thời trung cổ, nhiều người bị buộc tội theo tà đạo. (In the Middle Ages, many people were accused of following heresy.)
  • Lối sống ấy chẳng khác gì tà đạo. (That way of life is no different from a wicked path.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used from the perspective of a dominant or orthodox religious group to label dissenting or alternative belief systems. Its use can carry strong pejorative and condemnatory connotations.

Variants and Related Words

• Tà giáo (n): Often used interchangeably with "tà đạo" to mean heresy or a heretical sect.
  • Nhóm này bị liệt vào hàng tà giáo. (This group was classified as a heretical sect.)

Synonyms

• Heresy: Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine.
• Paganism: A religion other than one of the main world religions, often with a historical context.
• False doctrine: An incorrect or deceptive teaching.

Related Idioms

• Theo tà đạo: To follow a heretical path/to be led astray.
  • Họ sợ con cái mình theo tà đạo. (They fear their children will be led astray into heresy.)