heterodox
Americanadjective
-
not in accordance with established or accepted doctrines or opinions, especially in theology; unorthodox.
-
holding unorthodox doctrines or opinions.
adjective
-
at variance with established, orthodox, or accepted doctrines or beliefs
-
holding unorthodox opinions
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of heterodox
1610–20; < Greek heteródoxos of another opinion, equivalent to hetero- hetero- + dóx ( a ) opinion (Compare dokeîn to think, suppose) + -os adj. suffix
Explanation
Heterodox is from the Greek root words heteros, meaning "the other," and doxa, meaning "opinion." The adjective heterodox was first applied to people who held a different religious opinion from the standard beliefs and teachings. Today, although the religious meaning remains, the adjective heterodox can describe someone who adheres to any atypical beliefs, such as scientists who buck the current thinking or politicians who do not toe the party line. The word can be a synonym of heretical, which describes someone with contrary beliefs. If you are a teacher with a heterodox teaching style, you may win over students but alarm your more traditional colleagues.
Vocabulary lists containing heterodox
World Religions
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Warsh’s desire to reduce the Fed’s asset holdings is viewed as heterodox.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
Maybe there is hope after all for the rising generation of boys and men if even a heterodox public intellectual like Scott Galloway is willing to offer such traditional medicine for our contemporary male maladies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 9, 2025
Weiss took on the role after Paramount acquired her heterodox digital news platform the Free Press.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 8, 2025
Even some heterodox economists themselves have not wanted to be associated with it, and I don't actually love the term.
From Salon ● Feb. 1, 2025
Even in the present time, when Hindoo society is being profoundly convulsed by heterodox opinions, not a few of my enlightened countrymen observe this religious festival, and spend thousands of rupees on its celebration.
From The Hindoos as they Are A Description of the Manners, Customs and the Inner Life of Hindoo Society in Bengal by Shib Chunder Bose
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
