Orthodox
Traditional; conforming to established beliefs or practices, especially in religion or academia.
adjectiveOrthodox
Traditional; conforming to established beliefs or practices, especially in religion or academia.
adjectiveImagine 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.'
Sounds Like
OR-thuh-doks
Looks Like
Ortho- + dox; resembles related terms like orthodoxy and orthodontist, sharing the root ortho- meaning straight or correct.
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.
Other Forms
Connect With
traditional, conventional, canonical, conformist, mainstream
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.
Study Deeper
- The school follows orthodox teaching methods, prioritizing time-tested instructional practices.
- Some scientists argue for unorthodox approaches, while others defend orthodox theories.
From Greek orthos 'right, straight' + doxa 'belief, opinion' — literally 'right belief'.
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.
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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.