adj
heretical
huh-REH-tih-kuhl
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
Word Forms
more heretical comparative, most heretical superlative
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Etymology
From heretic plus the adjective suffix -al, via Medieval Latin haereticālis.