Orthodoxe

Orthodoxe is a term used in several European languages to denote adherence to established or traditional beliefs and practices. As an adjective it describes doctrine or conduct that conforms to accepted standards, and as a noun it can refer to groups or individuals who identify with such traditions. The word derives from Greek orthodoxos, from orthos meaning "right" or "correct" and doxa meaning "opinion" or "belief."

In religious contexts, orthodox typically designates a claim of doctrinal continuity with the early faith. In Christianity, the term is most commonly associated with churches that preserve what they consider the original, apostolic teaching. The two main families are the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches; both identify as orthodox in their self-understanding, but they represent distinct historical and theological developments. In many languages the same term appears in both cases, with differences in structure, liturgy, and governance.

Outside Christianity, orthodox is used to describe other established traditions. For example, Orthodox Judaism refers to streams of Judaism that emphasize strict adherence to halacha and traditional practice, contrasted with Reform or Conservative movements. In medicine and science, the word often contrasts conventional or evidence-based approaches (sometimes called orthodox medicine) with alternative or nontraditional therapies. In broader secular use, orthodox can simply mean traditional, mainstream, or conventional within a given culture or discourse.

See also orthodoxy, the noun form denoting the accepted doctrine or practice within a group, and orthodoxies as related sets of beliefs across different domains.