heretical
Meaning: Holding or expressing opinions that contradict established beliefs or official doctrine, originally in a religious context but now applied broadly to any field where orthodoxy prevails.
Heretical originally referred specifically to religious beliefs that deviated from official Church doctrine, but in modern English it is widely used figuratively to describe any opinion that challenges the prevailing consensus — in politics, economics, science, or culture. The figurative use often carries a knowing, slightly provocative tone, with the speaker acknowledging that their view is unfashionable. It collocates with 'view,' 'opinion,' 'idea,' 'suggestion,' and 'notion,' and the noun 'heresy' is equally versatile in its modern applications.
Examples
- The economist advanced the heretical view that austerity had actually deepened the recession rather than hastening recovery. 那位经济学家提出了一个异端观点,认为紧缩政策实际上加深了而非加速了经济复苏。El economista defendió la opinión herética de que la austeridad había agravado la recesión en lugar de acelerar la recuperación.その経済学者は、緊縮財政が景気回復を早めるどころか不況を深めたという異端的な見解を展開した。그 경제학자는 긴축 정책이 실제로 경기 회복을 앞당기기는커녕 불황을 심화시켰다는 이단적 견해를 제시했다.
- It may seem heretical to suggest that Shakespeare is overrated, but a growing number of scholars are questioning the extent of his originality. 说莎士比亚被高估了似乎是离经叛道的,但越来越多的学者正在质疑其原创性的程度。Puede parecer herético sugerir que Shakespeare está sobrevalorado, pero un número creciente de estudiosos cuestiona el alcance de su originalidad.シェイクスピアが過大評価されていると提言するのは異端的に思えるかもしれないが、その独創性の範囲を疑問視する学者が増えている。셰익스피어가 과대평가되었다고 제안하는 것은 이단적으로 보일 수 있지만, 그의 독창성의 범위에 의문을 제기하는 학자들이 늘어나고 있다.
- The architect's heretical proposal to demolish the Victorian facade and replace it with glass provoked a furious public response. 那位建筑师提出拆除维多利亚式外立面并代之以玻璃幕墙的异端方案,引发了公众的强烈反响。La propuesta herética del arquitecto de demoler la fachada victoriana y sustituirla por cristal provocó una furiosa respuesta pública.ヴィクトリア朝のファサードを取り壊しガラスに置き換えるというその建築家の異端的な提案は、激しい世論の反発を招いた。빅토리아 시대 외관을 허물고 유리로 교체하겠다는 그 건축가의 이단적 제안은 격렬한 대중의 반발을 불러일으켰다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, academic
Tone: provocative
Origin & History
From Greek hairetikos (able to choose), from hairein (to choose). The religious sense developed through Late Latin haereticus and Old French heretique. Entered English in the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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