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hérétique

heretic

noun adjective eh-reh-TEEK Rare
People & Society Religion

Origin: Greek hairetikos (able to choose)

Also means

heretical

Usage Note

Hérétique functions as both noun (un hérétique) and adjective (une idée hérétique). Originally a religious term for someone holding beliefs contrary to church doctrine, it is now commonly used figuratively for anyone with unorthodox opinions — calling someone's food preference hérétique is a common humorous use. Gender varies by the person: un/une hérétique.

Examples

"Il fut condamné comme hérétique au Moyen Âge."

Natural Translation

He was condemned as a heretic in the Middle Ages.

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