The word is formed from two others which are Greek.
The first is orthos, which means *true, straight, right, correct.
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The second is doxa, which is defined as opinion, and is derived from the verb dokein: to seem or appear.
Therefore, orthodoxos is a word which communicates the idea that a person’s opinion on a particular subject is correct. Within a Catholic context, such an opinion refers to things like theology; and it can be correct or incorrect based upon the authoritative dogmas which the hierarchy of the Church have promulgated.
Would you like a long definition? Orthodoxy contains within itself, the inherent observation that a person’s view of the world should adhere to certain truths which have been noted by an authority for whom there is great trust. Such authority as informs orthodoxy, has been seen by the Catholic West to have been firstly formed out of divine mandates; and secondly from the imperial support of ancient Rome.
