adj
heretical
huh-REH-tih-kuhl
Heretical (adj) means involving or characteristic of heresy; contrary to accepted religious teaching. Example: “The bishop condemned the pamphlet as heretical.”
adj
1
Involving or characteristic of heresy; contrary to accepted religious teaching.
"The bishop condemned the pamphlet as heretical."
2
Sharply against mainstream or generally accepted opinion.
"Her heretical theory challenged decades of scientific consensus."
How to use heretical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribing an idea or belief that breaks sharply with official or accepted views.
Common mistake
"Heretic" is the person; "heretical" is the adjective describing the belief or idea.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more heretical
- Superlative
- most heretical
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bishop condemned the pamphlet as _____.
Etymology
From heretic plus the adjective suffix -al, via Medieval Latin haereticālis.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for heretical
See all rhymes for heretical →Frequently asked questions
What does “heretical” mean?
The word “heretical” means involving or characteristic of heresy; contrary to accepted religious teaching. In plain terms, describing an idea or belief that breaks sharply with official or accepted views.
How do you pronounce “heretical”?
“Heretical” is pronounced huh-REH-tih-kuhl (/həˈɹɛtɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “heretical” in a sentence?
Here is “heretical” used in a sentence: “The bishop condemned the pamphlet as heretical.”
What part of speech is “heretical”?
“Heretical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “heretical” come from?
The word “heretical” comes from Medieval Latin. From heretic plus the adjective suffix -al, via Medieval Latin haereticālis.
How many meanings does “heretical” have?
“Heretical” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: involving or characteristic of heresy; contrary to accepted religious teaching.
