ideology

[ ahy-dee-ol-uh-jee, id-ee- ]

noun

, plural i·de·ol·o·gies.

1. the body of doctrine, myth, belief, etc., that guides an individual, social movement, institution, class, or large group.
2. such a body of doctrine, myth, etc., with reference to some political and social plan, as that of fascism, along with the devices for putting it into operation.
3. Philosophy.
   1. the study of the nature and origin of ideas.
   2. a system that derives ideas exclusively from sensation.
4. theorizing of a visionary or impractical nature.

ideology

/ ˌaɪdɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌaɪdɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. a body of ideas that reflects the beliefs and interests of a nation, political system, etc and underlies political action
2. philosophy sociol the set of beliefs by which a group or society orders reality so as to render it intelligible
3. speculation that is imaginary or visionary
4. the study of the nature and origin of ideas

ideology

1. A system of beliefs or theories , usually political, held by an individual or a group. Capitalism , communism , and socialism are usually called ideologies.

Derived Forms

• ideological, adjective
• ˌideoˈlogically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ideology¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; ideo- + -logy

Example Sentences

“Pete is dedicated to ensuring that our military is focused on lethality and readiness, not woke ideology,” Johnson said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Within months, two Republican combat veterans in Congress — Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas — launched an online “whistleblower form” that encouraged military personnel to report examples of “woke ideology” in the military.

From Los Angeles Times

“The so-called elites directing the military today… believe power is bad, merit is unfair, ideology is more important that industriousness, white people are yesterday, and safety! is better than risk-taking,” Hegseth writes in his book “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.”

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike something ineffable — such as a person’s place of birth, race, sex or gender — political ideology is a choice.

From Salon

The GOP is disappointed in Trump’s first three justices, each of whom has deviated from the party line in some ways despite their overall hard-right ideology.

From Slate

Related Words

• creed
• culture
• dogma
• outlook
• philosophy
• theory
• view