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orthodoxy

OR-thuh-dok-see /ˈɔː.θə.dɒk.si/

nounC1GRESATCAT

academicformal

Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice.

Refers to traditional, correct, or accepted beliefs established by authority or majority agreement.

The story behind the word. Combines Greek 'orthos' (straight/right) and 'doxa' (belief/opinion, from 'dokein' to think). Early Christian theologians used it to distinguish 'straight thinking' (orthodoxy) from crooked or heretical opinions.

Word relationships

conformity: Focuses on behavior matching societal standards rather than formal theoretical doctrines.
conventionality: Refers to social custom rather than explicit, authoritative teaching.

heterodoxy: Any opinion or doctrine at variance with official beliefs.
heresy: Belief or opinion profoundly contrary to orthodox religious or official doctrine.

Commonly confused with

dogma: Orthodoxy is the state of correct belief; dogma is the specific set of rules laid down by authority.

Word family

orthodox (adjective): Conforming to what is traditional or accepted.
heterodox (adjective): Not conforming with accepted standards or beliefs.

Collocations

prevailing orthodoxy
challenge orthodoxy
rigid orthodoxy

Example sentences

"The prevailing economic orthodoxy was challenged when inflation and unemployment rose simultaneously." Economic history
"Challenging scientific orthodoxy requires rigorous evidence and repeatable experimentation." Scientific discourse

Memory hook

ORTHO (straight like an orthodontist fixes teeth) + DOXA (belief) = Straight Belief. Keeping beliefs on the straight path.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'Orthodox' (capitalized), which specifically denotes Eastern Orthodox Christianity or Orthodox Judaism.

Fun facts

An orthodontist straightens teeth ('ortho-dont'), while orthodoxy straightens thinking ('ortho-dox').