Orthodoxy: meaning, definitions and examples

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orthodoxy

 

[ ɔːˈθɒdəksi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious belief

Orthodoxy refers to the accepted or traditional beliefs and practices of a religion, especially Christianity. It is the adherence to the traditional and established faith, doctrine, or practices of a religious tradition.

Synonyms

conservatism, doctrinal correctness, traditionalism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orthodoxy

Use when referring to strict adherence to accepted norms in religion or belief systems. Suggests a conventional or traditional approach.

  • The church's orthodoxy does not allow for modern interpretations of the scripture
traditionalism

Best used when emphasizing the importance of maintaining traditions and customs. Often implies resistance to change.

  • Her traditionalism is evident in her adherence to old family customs and ceremonies
conservatism

Appropriate when talking about political or cultural attitudes that favor tradition and resist change. Often associated with right-wing politics.

  • His conservatism is evident in his views on limited government and traditional family values
doctrinal correctness

Suitable for discussions where accuracy and adherence to specific teachings or doctrines are emphasized, usually in a religious or ideological context.

  • The committee ensures doctrinal correctness in every publication to maintain the group's core beliefs

Examples of usage

  • He was raised in the Orthodox tradition of Christianity.
  • The bishop emphasized the importance of orthodoxy in the church.
Context #2 | Noun

general belief system

Orthodoxy can also refer more broadly to a set of beliefs or practices that are widely accepted as true or correct by a particular group or society.

Synonyms

conformity, conventionalism, mainstream belief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orthodoxy

Repeated entry; please refer to the first definition and examples.

conformity

Best used when referring to following social norms, rules, or the standard behavior within a group or society.

  • There is often pressure to maintain conformity within the corporate culture.
  • His refusal to accept conformity set him apart in the artistic community.
conventionalism

Applicable in discussions where following accepted standards, traditions, or expected behaviors is highlighted, usually with a slight negative connotation for lack of innovation.

  • Her art was criticized for its conventionalism and lack of originality.
  • Conventionalism in fashion often stifles creativity.
mainstream belief

Used when referring to ideas, opinions, or practices that are widely accepted by the majority of people.

  • Climate change is now a mainstream belief among scientists globally.
  • He tends to shy away from mainstream beliefs, preferring to think independently.

Examples of usage

  • His views were in line with the political orthodoxy of the party.
  • The scientific orthodoxy at the time did not support his theory.

Translations

Translations of the word "orthodoxy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ortodoxia

🇮🇳 रूढ़िवादिता

🇩🇪 Orthodoxie

🇮🇩 ortodoksi

🇺🇦 православ'я

🇵🇱 ortodoksja

🇯🇵 正教

🇫🇷 orthodoxie

🇪🇸 ortodoxia

🇹🇷 ortodoksluk

🇰🇷 정통성

🇸🇦 الأرثوذكسية

🇨🇿 pravoslaví

🇸🇰 pravoslávie

🇨🇳 正统

🇸🇮 pravoslavje

🇮🇸 rétttrúnaður

🇰🇿 православие

🇬🇪 მართლმადიდებლობა

🇦🇿 pravoslavlıq

🇲🇽 ortodoxia

Etymology

The word 'orthodoxy' comes from the Greek words 'orthos' (right) and 'doxa' (belief). It originally referred to the correct belief or doctrine in the Christian church, particularly during the early centuries of Christianity when various heresies were being debated and defined. Over time, the term has come to be used more broadly to refer to adherence to any established belief system or tradition.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,653, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.