orthodoxy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "orthodoxy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an accepted doctrine or belief, especially in a religious or philosophical context. Example: "The church's teachings have remained consistent, adhering to the principles of orthodoxy throughout the centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Popular feminism is an orthodoxy that despises challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was so refreshing to see a majority of speakers trenchantly and unapologetically making the case against austerity, in the teeth of an orthodoxy that has prevailed for far too long, notably in the broadcast media.

The Guardian

When he returned to the TGWU, he became research assistant to the general secretary Frank Cousins – at the moment when Cousins was turning round the union from stalwart Labour rightwing orthodoxy to a campaigning leftwing platform.

The Guardian

But the backlash against the tight fiscal one-shape-fits-all orthodoxy spearheaded by Germany and orchestrated by Brussels takes various forms across Europe.

The Guardian

This has been done on the basis that most votes on English matters can be argued to have implications for Scotland, a significant blurring of nationalist orthodoxy.

The Guardian - Opinion

In The Consolations of Economics, Lyons, now a veteran among City economic analysts, provides a most readable account of decades of economic policies and events, and his subtitle, How We Will All Benefit from the New World Order, is a welcome counterblast against the prevailing orthodoxy.

The Guardian - Business

Medical schools, still under the spell of Darwinism, wanted full corpses and skeletons to compare with the Anglo Saxon dead, so they might reinforce the fallacious orthodoxy that each race represented a distinct evolutionary phase.

The Guardian

McConnell won because he's got a familiar name, a lot of money and the kind of political clout that makes up for occasional lapses from orthodoxy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many of the things, in fact, that conventional "free market" orthodoxy insists will lead to ruin, but have instead delivered rapid growth and social progress.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is especially tricky to challenge the orthodoxy that domestic violence impacts everyone pretty much equally, because it's about misogyny – the contempt for women at the heart of the culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ever since then the predominant image has been one of oppressive orthodoxy from which the heroic rock star/poet/actor must escape to live out his wild destiny, possibly in Hoxton.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "orthodoxy" to describe systems of belief that are deeply entrenched and often resistant to change. It is effective when discussing challenges to established norms.

Common error

Avoid using "orthodoxy" when simply referring to a personal opinion or preference. "Orthodoxy" implies a widely accepted or institutionalized belief system, not just an individual viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "orthodoxy" is as a noun, referring to a system of beliefs or practices accepted as authoritative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes correctness in doctrine and conformity to established beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "orthodoxy" functions as a noun that is grammatically correct and frequently employed to describe established beliefs and practices. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts. Its register tends to be neutral to formal, often appearing in news and business discussions. When using "orthodoxy", ensure it appropriately reflects a widely accepted belief system rather than a personal opinion. Related terms include "established doctrine" and "conventional wisdom", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. By following these guidelines, you can use "orthodoxy" with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established doctrine

Focuses on the formal and established nature of the belief system.

conventional wisdom

Emphasizes the widely accepted and traditional nature of the belief.

traditional belief

Highlights the historical and customary aspect of the belief.

accepted dogma

Stresses the authoritative and unquestioned nature of the belief.

prevailing ideology

Refers to the dominant set of ideas and values in a society.

standard practice

Highlights the common and accepted way of doing things.

dominant view

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance and influence of the perspective.

mainstream thought

Highlights beliefs or ideas held by the majority.

widely held belief

Focuses on the broad acceptance of a particular idea or concept.

customary practice

Emphasizes the long-established and habitual nature of the behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "orthodoxy" in a sentence?

"Orthodoxy" is used to describe adherence to correct or accepted creeds, especially in religion. For example, "The new policy challenged the established business orthodoxy."

What is a good alternative to the word "orthodoxy"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "orthodoxy" could be "conventional wisdom", "established belief", or "traditional doctrine".

Is it appropriate to challenge an "orthodoxy"?

Yes, challenging an "orthodoxy" is often seen as a way to promote innovation and progress. However, such challenges can be met with resistance from those who adhere to the established beliefs.

What's the difference between "orthodoxy" and "dogma"?

"Orthodoxy" refers to an accepted doctrine, while "dogma" often implies a more rigid and unquestionable set of beliefs. Dogma may be seen as a subset or extreme form of orthodoxy.