WordValeheterodoxy
departure from accepted belief
In more detail
1. (noun) beliefs or opinions that are different from those officially accepted or traditional, especially in religion or politics
2. (noun) the quality or state of being heterodox; disagreement with established doctrine
Examples
- 1. The philosopher's heterodoxy challenged the church's teachings for centuries.
- 2. His heterodoxy made him unpopular among the conservative members of the party.
How to use heterodoxy
Heterodoxy refers to departures from established or official doctrine, particularly in religious or ideological contexts. It is more formal and academic than 'disagreement' and carries a stronger sense of systematic deviation from accepted orthodoxy. The term is often used to describe historical or intellectual positions that diverged from mainstream belief systems.
Common phrases
- religious heterodoxy
- political heterodoxy
- accused of heterodoxy
- heterodoxy of thought
- challenge heterodoxy
Synonyms
heresy · nonconformity · unorthodoxy · dissent · unconventionality
Opposites
orthodoxy · conformity · orthodoxness
Word family
heterodox (adjective) · heterodoxly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse heterodoxy with heterogeneity (diversity of elements) or use it too broadly for mere differences of opinion rather than sustained alternative doctrines.
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