Basic Details
Word: Heretic
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who holds beliefs that go against the official teachings of a religion or a widely accepted doctrine.
Synonyms: Dissenter, nonconformist, rebel
Antonyms: Orthodox, conformist, believer
Idioms and Phrases
- Jumping on the heretic bandwagon: To start following or agreeing with a person or idea that is considered unconventional. Example: "After hearing the innovative ideas, many students began jumping on the heretic bandwagon."
- Herd of heretics: A group of people who challenge traditional beliefs or ideas. Example: "The scientist was seen as part of a herd of heretics for promoting his revolutionary theories."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In the past, those labelled as heretics could face severe punishment for their beliefs that contradicted the church.
Example 2: The author's work was considered heretical due to its controversial perspective on society's values.
Example 3: She was often called a heretic among her peers for advocating ideas that were considered too progressive for their time.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term "heretic" originally comes from the Greek word "haeresis," meaning "choice"? It reflects the idea of someone making a choice to believe differently from the accepted norms.
Famous Quote
"The greatest heresy is to do no heresy at all." Gary North
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "heretic" mean?
a) A person who follows all traditions
b) A person who holds unorthodox beliefs
c) A person who writes history
d) A person who is a leader
Answer: b) A person who holds unorthodox beliefs
2. Which of these is a synonym of "heretic"?
a) Nonconformist
b) Believer
c) Conformist
d) Advocate
Answer: a) Nonconformist
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "heretic"?
a) Rebel
b) Dissenter
c) Orthodox
d) Nonconformist
Answer: c) Orthodox
4. Which sentence correctly uses "heretic"?
a) Everyone at the party thought she was a heretic for her unusual dance moves.
b) The heretic presented new ideas that challenged the old beliefs.
c) The heretic won the race decisively.
d) Their heretic library was filled with colourful books.
Answer: b) The heretic presented new ideas that challenged the old beliefs.
5. Which idiom relates to being a heretic?
a) Jumping on the heretic bandwagon
b) Raining cats and dogs
c) At the end of the day
d) As easy as pie
Answer: a) Jumping on the heretic bandwagon
