orthodoxy

/ˌɔrθəˈdɑksi/

Other forms: orthodoxies

A widely accepted belief or theory is an orthodoxy. You could call the scientific theory of gravity an orthodoxy, since it's generally considered to be an established fact.

The word orthodoxy comes from the Greek root words orthos, which means right, true or straight, and doxa, opinion. So orthodoxy describes the one true opinion. The noun orthodoxy, pronounced "OR-thuh-dock-see," is most commonly used to talk about religious beliefs. When you conform to the orthodoxy of a particular religion, you follow its accepted doctrines, like a Christian's belief in an all-powerful God.

Definitions of orthodoxy

1. noun

   the quality of being orthodox (especially in religion)
   antonyms:

   unorthodoxy

   the quality of being different from what is considered correct

   types:

   convention, conventionalism, conventionality

   orthodoxy as a consequence of being conventional

   traditionalism, traditionality

   strict adherence to traditional methods or teachings

   conformity, ossification

   hardened conventionality

   academicism, academism, scholasticism

   close adherence to traditional teachings or methods

   type of:

   unoriginality

   the quality of being unoriginal
2. noun

   a belief or orientation agreeing with conventional standards
   antonyms:

   unorthodoxy

   any opinions or doctrines that are different from the official or approved ones

   types:

   conformism, conformity

   orthodoxy in thoughts and belief

   conventionality

   conformity with conventional thought and behavior

   legalism

   strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit

   type of:

   orientation

   an integrated set of attitudes and beliefs