Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 2, 2026, is heterodox. This adjective describes something contrary to established standards, traditions, or religions. Heterodox ideas or beliefs are unorthodox and unconventional. It can also refer to individuals or groups holding such opinions. For instance, new faculty members with a heterodox teaching approach might face initial peer resistance. The "spiral of silence" theory illustrates how dissenters with heterodox views might feel isolated, believing they are the only ones holding such opinions. This leads to a false sense of unanimity within a group. Interestingly, people often perceive others' ideas as unconventional while considering their own as common sense. Both heterodox and orthodox stem from the Greek word "doxa," meaning opinion. Heterodox combines "doxa" with "heter-" (other/different), while orthodox uses "orth-" (correct/straight).