異端(いたん)

いたん
noun
heresy, heterodoxy
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(かれ)は業界(ぎょうかい)の異端(いたん)児(じ)と呼(よ)ばれている。
He is called a maverick of the industry.
かつて異端(いたん)とされた理論(りろん)が、今(いま)では主流(しゅりゅう)になっている。
A theory once considered heretical has now become mainstream.
彼女(かのじょ)の異端(いたん)的(てき)な研究(けんきゅう)アプローチは当初(とうしょ)批判(ひはん)されたが、やがて画期的(かっきてき)な成果(せいか)を生(う)み出(だ)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(いたん)児(じ) (maverick, enfant terrible) is very common and often carries a positive nuance of someone who defies convention successfully.

Common collocations

  • 異端(いたん)児(じ) (maverick, enfant terrible)
  • 異端(いたん)とされる (to be considered heretical)
  • 異端(いたん)的(てき)な考(かんが)え (unorthodox ideas)
  • 異端(いたん)審問(しんもん) (inquisition — historical)

Similar words

  • 正統(せいとう): orthodox, mainstream (antonym)
  • 異色(いしょく): unique, unconventional (lighter tone, often positive)
  • 邪道(じゃどう): wrong approach, deviation from the proper way (negative)

Related Words

Antonym: 正統(せいとう) (orthodox, mainstream)
Compare: 型破(かたやぶ)り (unconventional)
general
Added 2026.2.25 23:34 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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