Word
heterodox
Phoneticshet·ero·dox
/ˈhɛtɝəˌdɑks/
Definition
adj. describing an idea or belief that goes against the usual or official way of thinking. You use this for opinions that most people in a group do not accept.
adj. characterised by departure from accepted or established doctrines, especially in religious or academic contexts. Often used to describe minority views in economics or theology that challenge the mainstream.
Examples
“The professor is known for his heterodox views on economic growth.”
“Her heterodox approach to medicine often put her at odds with the traditional hospital board.”
“While the scientific community initially dismissed his heterodox theories as fringe science, subsequent experiments provided the empirical evidence necessary to validate his claims.”
Examples
simple
“The professor is known for his heterodox views on economic growth.”
contextual
“Her heterodox approach to medicine often put her at odds with the traditional hospital board.”
complex
“While the scientific community initially dismissed his heterodox theories as fringe science, subsequent experiments provided the empirical evidence necessary to validate his claims.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “heterodox” in context.
Verb
01. champion heterodox
“The journal was founded to champion heterodox theories that mainstream science ignored.”
verb + adj
02. espouse heterodox
“She was known to espouse heterodox views on the origins of the universe.”
verb + adj
03. heterodox remain
“His interpretation of the text remains heterodox despite recent archaeological finds.”
adj + verb
Adjective
04. highly heterodox
“His highly heterodox approach to monetary policy baffled traditional economists.”
adv + adj
05. increasingly heterodox
“The professor's lectures became increasingly heterodox as he challenged the core curriculum.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. heterodox belief
“The sect was persecuted for its heterodox belief regarding the afterlife.”
adj + noun
07. heterodox opinion
“The committee was reluctant to listen to such a heterodox opinion.”
adj + noun
08. heterodox view
“He held a heterodox view on the necessity of corporate hierarchies.”
adj + noun
09. considered heterodox by many
“His methods were considered heterodox by many of his more conservative peers.”
10. hold heterodox views on
“Many scholars in the department hold heterodox views on classical linguistics.”
Usage
Often used to modify nouns like 'views', 'opinions', 'beliefs', or 'theories'.
Real-World Examples
“His arrival at the central bank in July last year, appointed by Lula, sparked skepticism among many in the market, who worried about what they said was a lack of technical expertise, as well as his heterodox opinions on topics such as the need for state intervention to prioritize social needs and the suggestion that the central bank could act across the entire yield curve.” “There is an important inflation debate that pits many mainstream economists against heterodox progressives.” “The two-year-old conflict pits rebels who are mostly from the majority Sunni community against government forces led by Mr Assad's Alawite sect, a heterodox offshoot of Shia Islam.” “The indictment's description of a "network of heterodox commentators that focus on Western political and cultural issues" matches Tenet's own promotional wording on its website.” Etymology
From the Ancient Greek ἑτερόδοξος (heteródoxos), a compound formed from ἕτερος (héteros, "other, another, different") and δόξα (dóxa, "opinion"). It describes the state of possessing an alternative set of beliefs, typically in instances where one's deviations from established doctrine are noted with disapproval.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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