ideology

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

noun

plural

ideologies 

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.

Other Word Forms

• ideological adjective
• ideologically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ideology¹

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

Example Sentences

“There’s a ‘Don’t be ungrateful’ tone especially aimed at gays who never knew a gay world before gender ideology took over,” Arango explained.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The film never gets into the specifics, perhaps because the only ideology of fascism is the concentration of power.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The treaty was ratified by the EU in 2023, however ultra-conservative groups have argued that the accord's focus on gender equality undermines family values and promotes "gender ideology".

Read more on BBC

Fundamental to his ideology is a non-negotiable demand that players should be honest in the way they compete.

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After years of treating progressive ideology as a substitute, the companies have agreed to work with our university to help Catholics honor their faith in their investments.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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