Orthodoxy
noun /ˈɔːθədɒksi/ — Conformity to established and accepted beliefs.
Definition
Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice; the quality of conforming to the established view; a body of beliefs considered correct within a particular community.
Beyond the definition
Orthodoxy is what a community considers so obviously true that questioning it is not just wrong but strange. Scientific orthodoxies, political orthodoxies, social orthodoxies — each has its defenders and its challengers. The orthodoxy of one era becomes the absurdity of the next; the challenge is knowing which is which while you are inside it.
Origin & history
From Greek orthodoxia (right opinion), from orthos (straight, correct) + doxa (opinion, glory). The straight opinion — as opposed to heterodox (other opinion) or unorthodox.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The scientific orthodoxy held firm against the new data for fifteen years before it shifted.
She was comfortable within the orthodoxy of her field — the safe positions were genuinely good ones.
Revolutionary thinking always appears as heterodox before it becomes the new orthodoxy.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Orthodoxy” when the meaning fits your context: Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice; the quality of conforming to the established view; a body of beliefs considered correct within a particular community.
Synonyms
conformity, convention, established belief, accepted doctrine
Antonyms
heterodoxy, iconoclasm, heresy
Related words
Orthodoxy vs ideology
Orthodoxy refers to adhering to established, official doctrines. Ideology refers to the overarching conceptual framework that helps people interpret the world.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Team Reviewing Architectural Model
A team leader reviews a map and architectural model with colleagues, showing composed, thoughtful posture and established order.
The team's structured and careful adherence to the geometric diagram reflects orthodoxy. The group works within the authorized and generally accepted theory of their model, demonstrating a body of beliefs and practices considered correct within their professional community.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Orthodoxy" mean?
Orthodoxy is noun meaning: Conformity to established and accepted beliefs.. Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice; the quality of conforming to the established view; a body of beliefs considered correct within a particular community.
Where does the word "Orthodoxy" come from?
From Greek orthodoxia (right opinion), from orthos (straight, correct) + doxa (opinion, glory). The straight opinion — as opposed to heterodox (other opinion) or unorthodox.