heretic

Meaning

Noun

1. Someone whose beliefs are contrary to the fundamental tenets of a religion they claim to belong to.
2. (broadly) Someone who does not conform to generally accepted beliefs or practices.

Adj

Heretical; of or pertaining to heresy or heretics.

Opposite of

orthodox

Synonyms

nonconformist

heretical

sectarian

misbeliever

misinterpreter

schismatic

apostate

atheist

dissenter

religious outcast

iconoclast

pagan

dissident

deviationist

unbeliever

unorthodox

astrayed

religious hypocrite

excommunicated person

miscreant

Translations

hérétique

hereje

Ketzer

Häretiker

eretico

ketter

αιρετικός

Häretikerin

heretge

herege

herético

haereticus

miscredente

ketters

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhɛɹɪtɪk/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: heretyk

In summary

From Middle English heretyk, heretike, from Old French eretique, from Medieval Latin or Ecclesiastical Latin haereticus, from Ancient Greek αἱρετικός (hairetikós, “able to choose, factious”), itself from Ancient Greek αἱρέω (hairéō, “I choose”).