heterodox
adjective
het·ero·dox
ˈhe-tə-rə-ˌdäks
ˈhe-trə-
1
: contrary to or different from an acknowledged standard, a traditional form, or an established religion : unorthodox, unconventional
heterodox ideas
2
: holding unorthodox opinions or doctrines
a heterodox religious sect
Did you know?
Hot take: individuals often see other people’s ideas as unconventional while regarding their own as common sense. On second thought, this take may be more on the mild side—in other words, closer to orthodox (“conventional”) insight about human nature than to heterodox (“unconventional” or “contrary”) opinion. Both orthodox and heterodox developed from the same root, the Greek doxa, meaning “opinion.” Heterodox combines doxa with heter-, a combining form meaning “other” or “different”; orthodox pairs doxa with orth-, meaning “correct” or “straight.”
Cite this Entry
“Heterodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterodox. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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