WordValeheterodox
going against accepted beliefs
In more detail
1. (adjective) not agreeing with established or traditional beliefs, especially in religion or politics
2. (adjective) holding or expressing views that differ from what is widely accepted
Examples
- 1. The church condemned his heterodox interpretation of religious texts.
- 2. She was known for her heterodox approach to teaching mathematics.
How to use heterodox
Heterodox describes ideas or people that depart from established doctrines or mainstream consensus, particularly in religious, philosophical, or intellectual contexts. It is more formal and often carries scholarly weight than simply 'unconventional,' and frequently implies deliberate challenge to authority rather than mere difference. The term can be neutral or slightly disapproving depending on context.
Common phrases
- heterodox views
- heterodox beliefs
- heterodox opinion
- heterodox interpretation
- considered heterodox
Synonyms
unorthodox · heretical · unconventional · dissenting · iconoclastic
Opposites
orthodox · conventional · traditional
Word family
heterodoxy (noun) · heterodoxly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse heterodox with heterogeneous (meaning diverse or varied in composition), which are unrelated words despite similar prefixes.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD