1.
heresy, heterodoxy, unorthodox view
A belief, practice, or person that goes against the established mainstream doctrine, whether in religion, academia, or any field. Can be used negatively (deviant) or positively (unconventional trailblazer).
彼は業界の異端児と呼ばれている。
He is called a maverick of the industry.
かつて異端とされた理論が、今では主流になっている。
A theory once considered heretical has now become mainstream.
彼女の異端的な研究アプローチは当初批判されたが、やがて画期的な成果を生み出した。
Her unorthodox research approach was initially criticized, but it eventually produced groundbreaking results.
USAGE:
Originally a religious term (heresy opposing orthodox doctrine), now widely used in general contexts to describe unconventional or non-mainstream ideas, methods, or people. The compound 異端児 (maverick, enfant terrible) is very common and often carries a positive nuance of someone who defies convention successfully.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 異端児 (maverick, enfant terrible)
- 異端とされる (to be considered heretical)
- 異端的な考え (unorthodox ideas)
- 異端審問 (inquisition — historical)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 正統: orthodox, mainstream (antonym)
- 異色: unique, unconventional (lighter tone, often positive)
- 邪道: wrong approach, deviation from the proper way (negative)