Heresy
/ˈhɛr.ə.si/noun
A belief or opinion that deviates from established religious doctrine.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, the term 'heresy' was linked to philosophical choices, making it a word of empowerment before it became a label of condemnation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʷei-
“to choose or to see”
Ancient Greek
Greek
αἵρεσις (hairesis)
“a choice or selection, originally neutral”
Late Latin
Latin
haeresis
“a choice, especially in the context of a sect or school of thought”
Old French
Old French
herésie
“a belief contrary to the established church's doctrine”
Middle English
Middle English
heresie
“a belief that is considered wrong or false by the church”
Modern English
English
heresy
“a belief or opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted, especially in a religious context.”