Meaning of Word
Orthodox
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Orthodox (adjective): Conforming to established or traditional beliefs, practices, or customs, especially in religion.
- Orthodox: Following accepted or traditional standards, methods, or doctrines in any field, such as medicine or politics.
- Orthodox: Pertaining to the correct or traditional teachings of a particular religion or philosophy.
History and Origin
The word “orthodox” comes from the Greek word orthos, meaning “right” or “correct,” and doxa, meaning “opinion” or “belief.” It originally referred to the adherence to correct or accepted religious beliefs, particularly within Christianity. Over time, its use expanded beyond religious contexts to describe adherence to traditional or established practices in various areas of life.
Detailed Explanation
“Orthodox” refers to a strict adherence to established and traditional principles, beliefs, or practices. While it is most commonly used in religious contexts to describe adherence to the foundational beliefs of a particular religion, the term can also be used in secular contexts, such as politics, science, or art, to indicate conventional or widely accepted methods. The term often carries a connotation of conservatism or resistance to change, as orthodox views tend to uphold traditions and established norms.
Example Sentences
- The church follows an orthodox interpretation of the Bible.
- He has orthodox views on marriage, believing in traditional roles.
- She preferred an orthodox approach to medicine, relying on conventional treatments.
- The political party’s orthodox stance on economic issues is favored by many traditional voters.
- Orthodox methods of teaching focus heavily on rote memorization.
- The community adheres to orthodox religious practices, celebrating all major festivals.
- The orthodox viewpoint does not easily accommodate new ideas or innovations.
- He is considered an orthodox scholar in the field of classical literature.
- Many people still prefer the orthodox methods of farming rather than modern, high-tech solutions.
Synonyms with short explanation
- Traditional: Adhering to long-established customs or practices, often in opposition to modern or unconventional ideas.
- Conventional: Based on what is generally accepted or practiced, especially in social, cultural, or scientific norms.
- Conservative: Holding to traditional attitudes and values, resistant to change.
- Established: Widely recognized or accepted as the norm or standard within a particular context.
- Mainstream: Representing the dominant or widely accepted opinion, style, or way of life.
Related Words with short explanation
- Heterodox: Contrary to or differing from established or traditional beliefs, often used to describe unconventional ideas.
- Fundamentalist: A person who strictly adheres to the basic principles of a particular ideology, often in an orthodox way.
- Doctrinal: Relating to the body of beliefs or teachings that form the foundation of a system, such as a religion or philosophy.
- Dogmatic: Expressing beliefs in a way that is rigidly and often arrogantly authoritative, usually without considering alternative viewpoints.
- Sectarian: Pertaining to a particular sect or group, often related to a religious or ideological division, typically following orthodox rules.
More Matches with short explanation
- Strict: Rigidly adhering to a set of rules or principles, similar to orthodox practices.
- Formal: Conforming to established customs or procedures, often in a conventional or orthodox manner.
- Unchanging: Remaining consistent over time, especially in adhering to traditional or orthodox methods.
- Conformist: A person who behaves in accordance with established norms and traditions, reflecting orthodox behavior.
- Classic: Representing the best example of a particular style or tradition, often tied to orthodox practices or ideas.
Antonyms
- Unorthodox: Deviating from traditional or established beliefs or practices.
- Innovative: Introducing new ideas, methods, or approaches, often in contrast to orthodox views.
- Radical: Advocating for significant change or reform, especially when it challenges established norms.
- Progressive: Favoring or promoting progress and change, often by challenging traditional or orthodox methods.
- Revolutionary: Involving or causing significant change, especially a break from traditional or orthodox ways.