orthodox
UK[ˈɔːθədɒks]US[ˈɔːrθədɑːks]
adj
Following the traditional, established, or widely accepted beliefs, practices, or rules of a religion, philosophy, or activity.
adj
(of a person) Conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true; conventional in one's beliefs or attitudes.
Morpheme Breakdown
ortho
dox
ortho
correct
dox
opinion
Etymology
The word 'orthodox' is a direct borrowing from Late Latin 'orthodoxus', which itself originated from the Greek 'orthodoxos', a compound of 'orthos' (correct, straight) and 'doxa' (opinion, belief). The term was initially used in a religious context, specifically in early Christianity, to denote adherence to the correct or established doctrines as opposed to heresy. The literal meaning of "correct opinion" logically evolved to signify conformity to any established set of principles, whether in religion, politics, or general thought. This semantic journey from a specific theological label to a broader adjective for conventional belief perfectly encapsulates the logic of its Greek roots.
Analysis
Structure: ortho (correct) + dox (opinion)
'ortho' is from Greek, meaning 'correct', 'straight', or 'true'. 'dox' is from Greek 'doxa', meaning 'opinion', 'belief', or 'glory'.
Examples
He holds very orthodox views on economic policy.
Orthodox Judaism follows traditional interpretations of Jewish law.
Her methods are unorthodox, but they produce excellent results.