Orthodoxy
/ˈɔːr.θəˌdɒk.si/noun
Adherence to accepted or traditional beliefs, especially in religion.
Did you know?It comes from Greek roots meaning “right opinion,” and in early Christian history it became a weapon-word used to mark true doctrine against heresy.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
orthodoxia
“right opinion or correct belief”
Late Greek / Early Christian
Greek
orthodoxos
“holding the right belief”
4th–5th Century
Greek
orthodoxia
“accepted Christian doctrine as opposed to heresy”
Middle French
French
orthodoxie
“orthodox belief or doctrine”
16th Century
English
orthodoxy
“conformity to established religious doctrine”
Modern English
English
orthodoxy
“adherence to accepted belief or customary practice”
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