Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being unorthodox: The characteristic of not conforming to established, traditional, or widely accepted beliefs, doctrines, or practices.
   • A belief that rejects the orthodox tenets of a religion: A specific doctrine or opinion that diverges from the official or fundamental principles of a religious faith.
   • Any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position: Ideas or teachings that differ from the accepted or authoritative standards in any field, such as politics, science, or philosophy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His scientific theories were met with suspicion due to their sheer unorthodoxy. (The unconventional nature of his ideas caused doubt.)
  • The historian studied the unorthodoxy of various early Christian sects. (He studied the non-conforming beliefs of those groups.)
  • In the meeting, she voiced an unorthodoxy that challenged the company's core strategy. (She expressed a dissenting opinion.)

Advanced Usage

• "Champion/promote unorthodoxy": To actively support or advocate for unconventional ideas.
  • The new dean encouraged intellectual unorthodoxy among the faculty.
• "A breath of unorthodoxy": Used to describe an unconventional element that is refreshing or innovative.
  • The designer's collection brought a welcome breath of unorthodoxy to the fashion week.

Variants and Related Words

• Unorthodox (adj): Not conforming to traditional or accepted rules or beliefs.
  • Her unorthodox teaching methods yielded excellent results.
• Heterodoxy (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with unorthodoxy, especially regarding religious or doctrinal dissent.
  • The council was convened to address charges of heterodoxy.

Synonyms

• Nonconformity: Failure or refusal to conform to established customs, attitudes, or ideas.
• Dissent: The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held.
• Heresy: Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian) doctrine.

Antonyms

• Orthodoxy: Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice.
• Conformity: Compliance with standards, rules, or laws; behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A bastion of unorthodoxy: A place or person strongly defending unconventional ideas.
  • The independent research lab was considered a bastion of unorthodoxy.
• To embrace unorthodoxy: To willingly accept or adopt unconventional methods or beliefs.
  • Facing failure, the team decided to embrace unorthodoxy in their approach.

Noun

1. the quality of being unorthodox
2. a belief that rejects the orthodox tenets of a religion
3. any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position