Orthopraxes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A set of prescribed, correct practices or rituals adhered to within a specific belief system
2. Actions performed in alignment with established norms and rules governing behavior
3. The importance of conformity to traditional practices within a community or organization

Etymology: "Orthopraxes" is the plural of "orthopraxis," a noun built from two Greek elements. The first, "ortho-", comes from Greek "orthos," meaning straight, correct or right, and it appears in English words such as orthodontics and orthography. The second, "-praxis," comes from Greek "praxis," meaning action, doing or practice. Put together, the pair describes correct practice, in the sense of right conduct rather than right belief. The pairing is a deliberate contrast with "orthodoxy," which combines "ortho-" with Greek "doxa," meaning opinion or belief. Where orthodoxy concerns what people hold to be true, orthopraxy concerns what they do. The coinage follows the familiar pattern of English formations in "ortho-" built on classical roots, so the word is best understood as a modern construction from ancient parts rather than a term that was in use in classical Greek.