orthodoxy
UK[ˈɔːθədɒksi]US[ˈɔːrθədɑːksi]
n
the traditional beliefs or practices of a religion, philosophy, or political group, especially when seen as being established and correct.
n
the quality of conforming to these traditional beliefs or practices.
Morpheme Breakdown
ortho
doxy
ortho
correct
doxy
belief
Etymology
the word orthodoxy is a compound formed from two ancient greek elements. the first, ortho-, carries the sense of correctness and straightness, a concept that can be traced back to the proto-indo-european root h₃erdʰ- meaning "to grow straight, upright." the second element derives from doxa, which meant "opinion, belief, or glory," and is related to the verb dokein, "to seem or think." literally, the greek combination orthodoxia meant "correct belief" or "right opinion." this term was adopted into late latin as orthodoxia and entered english via ecclesiastical latin and french, initially referring specifically to adherence to established religious doctrines. over time, its application broadened to encompass any authoritative or conventionally accepted set of principles in various fields of thought.
Analysis
Structure: ortho (correct) + doxy (belief)
ortho is from greek, meaning "correct, straight, right." doxy is from greek doxa, meaning "belief, opinion, glory."
Examples
he challenged the prevailing orthodoxy in economic policy.
her views are considered mainstream orthodoxy within the church.
scientific orthodoxy is often overturned by new discoveries.