English · Word Candidate

orthodox

/ˈɔːθədɒks/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: Orthodoxes

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Conforming to the accepted, established, or traditional doctrines of a given faith, religion, or ideology.

Adjective

Examples

Five important modifications were made by the Pietists to the orthodox doctrine of justification, each corresponding to a distinctive aspect of the movement's agenda.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Adhering to whatever is customary, traditional, or generally accepted.

Adjective

Examples

She tattled on: first to one, then to the other—then to all, till she had tattled herself out of breath;—and then the orthodox half hour had expired, and the bell was rung, and the carriage ordered, and Mrs. Hare rose to depart.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Of or pertaining to the Orthodox Churches collectively.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Of or pertaining to a particular Orthodox Church, usually the Eastern Orthodox Church, sometimes the Oriental Orthodox Church or the Church of the East.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “orthodox” mean?

Conforming to the accepted, established, or traditional doctrines of a given faith, religion, or ideology.

Is “orthodox” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.