Vocabulary in context
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Unorthodox
Not conforming to established or traditional beliefs, customs, or practices; unconventional or nonconforming.
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Imagine This
Imagine a college lecture where the professor rejects every traditional rule of the syllabus, delivering a completely new plan that challenges long-standing theories while the students lean forward in curiosity.
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Sounds Like
ˌənˈɔːrˌθəˌdɒks
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Looks Like
Looks like 'orthodox' with the prefix un-; opposite of orthodox.
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Remember This
Unorthodox contrasts with orthodox (traditional, accepted). It is often used to describe ideas, methods, or beliefs that deviate from the norm. Related term: heterodox.
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Other Forms
unorthodoxynoun
unorthodoxlyadverb
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Connect With
nonconformist, unconventional, radical, heterodox, iconoclast
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Note
Do not confuse with illegal or immoral; unorthodox simply means unconventional, which may be innovative or simply different.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her unorthodox teaching methods helped students engage more deeply with the material.
- The chef's unorthodox fusion cuisine surprised some diners but delighted others.
Synonyms
unconventionalnontraditionalnonconformistradicaleccentric
Antonyms
conventionaltraditionalorthodox
Etymology
From un- (not) + orthodox (conforming to established doctrine). Orthodox comes from Greek orthodoxos 'right opinion' from orthos 'right' + doxa 'opinion'.
Mnemonic
Un-ORTHODOX = Not the right opinion. Remember: unorthodox means not following the 'right' path.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
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.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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