Vocabulary in context
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Orthodox
Traditional; conforming to established beliefs or practices, especially in religion or academia.
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Imagine This
Picture a small town where every festival, school rule, and sermon sticks to the oldest, most accepted customs. When someone suggests a new idea, the elders politely but firmly say, 'We keep things orthodox here.'
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Sounds Like
OR-thuh-doks
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Looks Like
Ortho- + dox; resembles related terms like orthodoxy and orthodontist, sharing the root ortho- meaning straight or correct.
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Remember This
The prefix ortho- means straight or correct, and doxa means belief or opinion. Orthodox can refer to mainstream beliefs in general or to Eastern Orthodox Christianity when capitalized.
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Other Forms
orthodoxynoun
orthodoxizeverb
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Connect With
traditional, conventional, canonical, conformist, mainstream
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Note
Do not confuse with unorthodox (not traditional) or with orthopedic (relating to bones). When capitalized as Orthodox, it often denotes the Eastern Orthodox Church.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The school follows orthodox teaching methods, prioritizing time-tested instructional practices.
- Some scientists argue for unorthodox approaches, while others defend orthodox theories.
Synonyms
traditionalconventionalcanonicalconformistmainstream
Antonyms
unorthodoxunconventionalprogressive
Etymology
From Greek orthos 'right, straight' + doxa 'belief, opinion' — literally 'right belief'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: ORTHO means straight (as in orthodontist); DOX means belief. Therefore orthodox = straight beliefs.
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Insolence
nounBold, disrespectful impudence or attitude toward someone, especially toward authority.
Censure
verbTo express strong disapproval of (someone or something); to condemn or rebuke, typically in a formal or official manner.
Coalition
nounA union or combination of groups or parties for a common purpose; a temporary alliance.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Conventional
adjectiveBased on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; traditional or ordinary rather than new or experimental.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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