Definition of orthodox
1a : conforming to established doctrine especially in religion orthodox principles the orthodox interpretationb : conventional took an orthodox approach to the problem orthodox medicine
2 capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting any of various conservative religious or political groups: such asa : eastern orthodox Greek Orthodox ritualsb : of or relating to Orthodox Judaism Orthodox Jews in their black suits and hats and modest dresses
orthodoxly
adverbFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of orthodox in a Sentence
He took an orthodox approach to the problem.
She believes in the benefits of both orthodox medicine and alternative medicine.
He is a very orthodox Muslim.
I attend an Eastern Orthodox church.
My grandmother is Russian Orthodox.
Did You Know?
An orthodox religious belief or interpretation is one handed down by a church's founders or leaders. When capitalized, as in Orthodox Judaism, Orthodox refers to a branch within a larger religious organization that claims to honor the religion's original or traditional beliefs. The steadfast holding of established beliefs that is seen in religious orthodoxy is apparent also in other kinds of orthodox behavior. Orthodox medical treatment, for example, follows the established practices of mainstream medicine. Unorthodox thinking is known in business language as "thinking outside the box".
Origin and Etymology of orthodox
Middle English orthodoxe, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French orthodoxe, from Late Latin orthodoxus, from Late Greek orthodoxos, from Greek orth- + doxa opinion — more at doxology
Other Jewish Religion Terms
orthodox
Definition of orthodox
orthodox
alsoorthodoxes
1 : one that is orthodox
2 capitalized : a member of an Eastern Orthodox church
Origin and Etymology of orthodox
see 1orthodox
Other Christian Religious Terms
ORTHODOX Defined for English Language Learners
orthodox
playDefinition of orthodox for English Language Learners
-
: accepted as true or correct by most people : supporting or believing what most people think is true
-
: accepting and closely following the traditional beliefs and customs of a religion
-
Orthodox : of or relating to the Orthodox Church
ORTHODOX Defined for Kids
orthodox
playDefinition of orthodox for Students
1 : approved as measuring up to some standard : conventional orthodox medicine
2 : closely following the established beliefs of a religion
Learn More about orthodox
-
See words that rhyme with orthodox Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for orthodox Spanish Central: Translation of orthodox Nglish: Translation of orthodox for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of orthodox for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orthodox
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up orthodox? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!