Pronunciation: [hɪɹˈɛtɪkə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "heretical" is spelled with the letter "h" followed by "e-r-e-t-i-c-a-l". The "h" is silent and doesn't make its usual sound, so the word starts with the "eh" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, "heretical" is pronounced /həˈrɛtɪkəl/, with the primary stress on the second syllable. The "e" in the second and third syllables sounds like "eh", the "i" is pronounced like "ih", and the final "al" is pronounced like "uhl".
Heretical, often used as an adjective, refers to an opinion, belief, or behavior that deviates significantly from established or orthodox principles, doctrines, or teachings, particularly in the context of religious or ideological adherence. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unorthodox, dissenting, or even blasphemous stance that contradicts the accepted norms, traditions, or dogmas of a religious or philosophical belief system.
In religious contexts, heretical views challenge the authoritative doctrines or beliefs of a particular faith, potentially leading to excommunication or condemnation by religious authorities. These views are often regarded as divisive or harmful by adherents of the orthodox belief, as they undermine the established order and challenge the legitimacy of religious authorities.
However, heretical ideas may also extend beyond religious matters to encompass any contradictory or dissenting viewpoints within other areas such as politics, science, or philosophy. Being heretical implies a departure from the mainstream consensus, posing a challenge to prevailing views or systems of thought.
Individuals or groups who adopt heretical positions are often subject to ostracism, persecution, or backlash due to the perceived threat they pose to the existing social, intellectual, or religious order. Nevertheless, throughout history, some heretical ideas have eventually been vindicated or embraced, leading to paradigm shifts and advancements in human knowledge and understanding.
Contrary to the true or established faith; erroneous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word heretical comes from the Late Latin term haereticus, which means a person who believes or teaches heresy. It is derived from the Greek word hairetikos, meaning able to choose or able to make a choice. The term heresy itself has origins in the Greek word hairesis, which translates to choice or faction. The root of these words, hairein, means to take or to choose.
