Orthodox

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɔːθədÉ’ks/

Origin

From Late Latin orthodoxus, from Ancient Greek ὀρθόδοξος, from ὀρθός (orthos, "straight") + δόξα (doxa, "opinion").

Full definition of orthodox

Adjective

1. Conforming to the established, accepted or traditional doctrines of a given ideology, faith or religion. from 15th c.
• 2005, Alister E McGrath, Iustitia Dei:Five important modifications were made by the Pietists to the orthodox doctrine of justification, each corresponding to a distinctive aspect of the movement's agenda.
• 2009, Andrew Brown, The Guardian, 23 Dec 2009:‘These speakers are academics who have specialised in Islamic sciences and are well respected in scholarly circles. It is grossly unjust to suggest that they belong to some fringe ideology rather than orthodox Islam.’
2. Adhering to whatever is traditional, customary or generally accepted.

Synonyms

• (adhering to whatever is traditional) conventional, conservative

Antonyms

• (conforming to the established faith) heretical, unorthodox, heterodox
• (adhering to whatever is traditional) liberal, outlandish, unorthodox

Related terms

• Eastern Orthodox
• Greek Orthodox
• Orthodoxy
• Russian Orthodox
• Serbian Orthodox