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

Before leaving for the FBI, he spoke openly about protecting Missourians from what he called “woke” ideology and lawlessness from the left.

From Salon

National Democrats can find a lesson here: Voters care about results, not just empathy and ideology.

From Los Angeles Times

Evidence is mounting that they’re the consequence of policies based on ideology and implemented incompetently.

From Los Angeles Times

What I learned as the grandchild of those who had fled not one but two murderous ideologies was that free speech was about listening as much as talking.

From BBC

Utah Governor Spencer Cox also said Robinson had a "leftist ideology".

From BBC

Related Words

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