WordGarden.ioorthodoxy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɔːθədˌɒksi/
US
- /ˈɔrθəˌdɑksi/
Meanings
Noun
accepted or conventional beliefs, doctrine, or ways of thinking
strict adherence to accepted religious doctrine or practice
Beyond the definition
Orthodoxy is not really about whether an idea is true in some final sense. It is about what a group accepts as the proper or established belief. You often hear it in religion, where it means the traditional teachings of a faith. But it can also appear in politics, science, or culture. If someone questions the usual way of thinking, they may be seen as going against the accepted line. In that sense, it is about staying close to the standard set of beliefs.
Orthodoxy refers to the generally accepted beliefs, principles, or doctrines within a particular group, tradition, or field of study. It points to the established view: what that group treats as the proper, correct, or approved way of thinking. The word comes from Greek roots meaning "right opinion" or "correct belief."
Historically, orthodoxy is most strongly associated with religion. Religious orthodoxy refers to the accepted teachings that define a faith or branch of a faith. To adhere to religious orthodoxy means to follow those established doctrines faithfully and to stay within what that tradition recognizes as sound belief.
However, orthodoxy extends beyond religion. You can speak of political orthodoxy, meaning the dominant ideas within a party or movement. You can also speak of scientific orthodoxy, meaning the views widely accepted in a field at a given time, or artistic orthodoxy, meaning conventional styles and methods.
Challenging the orthodoxy often means proposing new ideas, questioning established norms, or advocating for change. Those who deviate from the orthodox view are sometimes labeled as heretics, radicals, or innovators. It's important to remember that what is considered "orthodox" can shift over time, as beliefs evolve and societies change.
So, orthodoxy is not simply about truth; it is about acceptance within a group. It names the beliefs that hold authority in that setting, and it helps shape how members think, act, and understand the world around them.
Examples
- 1
Religious doctrine
The book angered leaders who saw it as a threat to religious orthodoxy.
- 2
Medical advice
For years, medical orthodoxy advised patients to rest after a back injury.
- 3
Economic theory
Her research challenged the prevailing orthodoxy in economics.
- Phrasethe prevailing orthodoxy
the view most experts accept at that time
- 4
Party politics
The new policy broke with party orthodoxy and surprised many voters.
- Phrasebreak with orthodoxy
stop following the accepted view or practice
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace culture
In that company, working late had become an orthodoxy, even when no one was productive.
- 6
Changing ideas
Today's rebels can become tomorrow's orthodoxy.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- orthodoxynoun
Forms
- orthodoxiespluralnoun