# orthodox

/ˈɔɹθəˌdɑks/ (US) · /ˈɔːθədˌɒks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/orthodox
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. traditional or accepted

adjective · CEFR B2

following what is traditional or accepted by most people as right.

For teachers: adhering to whatever is customary, traditional, or generally accepted as the standard practice.

- The doctor suggested an orthodox treatment before trying any new experimental drugs.
- His orthodox approach to economic theory made him a favorite among the conservative members of the faculty.

### 2. religious doctrine

adjective · CEFR B2

following the original or traditional rules of a religion.

For teachers: conforming to the established doctrines of a specific faith or ideology.

- He holds very orthodox views on how the church should be run.
- The community maintains an orthodox interpretation of the scriptures, resisting modern attempts to reform their ancient rituals.

### 3. Eastern Orthodox Church

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the Eastern Orthodox Church, common in countries like Greece and Russia.

For teachers: pertaining to the Eastern Orthodox Church or other related Christian denominations.

- The city is famous for its beautiful Orthodox cathedrals with gold domes.
- Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in January by many Eastern European communities following the Julian calendar.

### 4. Orthodox Judaism

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to a branch of Judaism that strictly follows traditional Jewish laws.

For teachers: pertaining to the branch of Judaism that adheres most strictly to traditional law and ritual.

- They live in an Orthodox neighborhood where many shops close for the Sabbath.
- Orthodox traditions regarding dietary laws and daily prayer are strictly observed within this specific congregation.

### 5. seeds/botany

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describing seeds that can survive for a long time when they are dried.

For teachers: referring to seeds, pollen, or spores that remain viable for extended periods when dried to low moisture content.

- Orthodox seeds are easier to store in seed banks because they survive drying.
- The preservation of orthodox seeds requires careful humidity control to ensure long-term viability in the global genetic repository.

### 6. a person

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a member of an Orthodox church or religious group.

For teachers: an individual who is a member of an Orthodox Christian or Jewish group.

- As an Orthodox, he attends services every Sunday morning.
- The dialogue between the various groups of the Orthodox has improved significantly over the last decade.

## Examples

- He holds very orthodox views on education and discipline.
- The doctor suggested an orthodox treatment plan before considering any experimental or alternative therapies.
- While her early work was considered radical, her later theories aligned more closely with the orthodox interpretations of economic history favored by the university.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.