Orthodoxist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who strictly adheres to established or traditional doctrines and customs, particularly in religion or ideology
2. An individual committed to maintaining conventional beliefs and practices without deviation, especially within a specific faith or systematic thought
3. One who supports and follows accepted orthodox principles rigidly, often emphasizing adherence to authoritative teachings and norms

Etymology: "Orthodoxist" is simply "orthodox" with the agent suffix "-ist" attached, the same suffix found in "artist," "dentist," and "socialist." The suffix marks someone who practises or adheres to something, so an orthodoxist is a person who holds to the orthodox position. "Orthodox" itself comes from Greek "orthodoxos," built from "orthos" (straight, right, correct) and "doxa" (opinion, belief), so the root idea is holding the correct opinion. That sense of "right belief" is what the suffix then turns into a label for a person.

Synonyms: conservative, traditionalist, orthodox

Antonyms: heretic, radical, progressive