Culture & Lifestyle • Religion

Heretic

A heretic is a person who holds or promotes beliefs that differ from established religious doctrine, especially within a faith the person is understood to belong to.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A heretic is a person who holds or promotes beliefs that differ from established religious doctrine, especially within a faith the person is understood to belong to. The word is also used more broadly for someone whose views depart from accepted beliefs or standards. In modern usage, it often carries a negative connotation, though it can be used more loosely or metaphorically.

Meaning

Heretic is commonly defined as a person whose beliefs conflict with established religious doctrine or accepted orthodoxy. In broader non-religious use, it can mean someone who rejects mainstream views or conventions.

Religious use

In Christian usage, and especially in Roman Catholic contexts, the term traditionally refers to a baptized or professed believer who rejects doctrines accepted by the church. This religious sense is the most established historical usage. The term is often associated with figures such as Jesus Christ, who was accused of heresy by religious authorities of his time.

Broader modern use

Outside religion, heretic may describe a nonconformist or dissenter whose ideas go against accepted standards. This metaphorical usage is common in journalism, commentary, and informal speech.

Etymology

The English word heretic comes from Old French and Church Latin, ultimately from Greek hairetikos, meaning 'able to choose' or 'heretical.' Related forms include heresy and heretical.

Key facts

Dictionary definitions consistently describe a heretic as someone who departs from accepted religious doctrine.
Some definitions specify a person who remains within a religion but rejects official teachings of that faith.
The term can also be used more generally for someone with unorthodox opinions in any field.
The word is usually pejorative, especially in religious contexts.
The term entered English through Old French and Church Latin, ultimately from Greek hairetikos.

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Canadian context

The term is used in Canadian English in its standard religious and metaphorical senses, especially in discussions of faith, doctrine, and nonconformity. There is no uniquely Canadian meaning.

Frequently asked questions

What is a heretic?

A heretic is a person whose beliefs are considered contrary to established religious doctrine, especially within their own faith tradition.

Is heretic always a religious term?

No. It is primarily religious, but it is also used more broadly for someone with unorthodox or nonconforming views.

Is heretic a neutral word?

Usually not. It typically has a negative or accusatory tone, especially when used in a religious context.

What is the difference between heresy and heretic?

Heresy is the belief or doctrine considered unorthodox; a heretic is the person who holds or promotes it.

Where does the word come from?

It comes through Old French and Church Latin from Greek hairetikos, related to choosing or taking a position.

Can the word be used positively?

Sometimes, in a metaphorical sense, it can describe someone who challenges conventional thinking, though this is not the main historical meaning.

References

Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heretic
Supports: Primary dictionary definition; religious and broader meanings
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/heretic
Supports: Definitions of heretic as a person opposing official religious doctrine or accepted belief
Collins Dictionary — https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/heretic
Supports: Broader and religious definitions; pejorative connotation
Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/heretic
Supports: Definition as someone who believes or teaches against accepted beliefs
Online Etymology Dictionary — https://www.etymonline.com/word/heretic
Supports: Etymology from Greek through Latin and Old French