You searched for: “heresy”
hearsay, heresy
hearsay (HIR say") (noun)
Information or evidence that is obtained through a secondary or indirect source: The witness was told that he could not use hearsay in court.
heresy (HER i see) (noun)
1. Dogma or doctrine held by an individual or a group of individuals which is perceived as unacceptable or different to that of another religious group: The elderly priest considered the sermons, preached in the church across the street, as heresy.
2. An opinion or belief that is held contrary to generally accepted standards or practices: In a household of people who love cats, it is almost heresy to admit to being fond of dogs.

Before communication technology improved, there was always the risk that hearsay could be interpreted as heresy and get people into trouble.

This entry is located in the following units: Confusing Words Clarified: Group H; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. + (page 2) heres-, heretic- (page 1)
heresy (HAIR uh see) (s) (noun), heresies (pl)
1. An unorthodox belief or doctrine; especially as regards some theological or church beliefs or "orthodox" doctrines: If a Catholic priest gets married, he has committed heresy.
2. A negative belief or doctrine, as in politics, philosophy, or science and the adherence to such controversial or unorthodox opinions: Heresy is an opinion which disagrees with or conflicts with those who generally accept something as being authoritative, proper, or correct.
An opinion that is contrary to a commonly accepted belief.
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This entry is located in the following unit: heres-, heretic- (page 1)