doctrine

[dok-trin]

noun

1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government.

   Catholic doctrines;

   the Monroe Doctrine.

   Synonyms: belief, precept, theory, dogma, tenet

2. something that is taught; teachings collectively.

   religious doctrine.

3. a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject.

   the doctrine of the Catholic Church.

doctrine

/ ˌdɒktrɪˈnælɪtɪ, ˈdɒktrɪn, dɒkˈtraɪnəl /

noun

1. a creed or body of teachings of a religious, political, or philosophical group presented for acceptance or belief; dogma

2. a principle or body of principles that is taught or advocated

Other Word Forms

• self-doctrine noun
• doctrinism noun
• doctrinally adverb
• doctrinality noun
• doctrinist noun
• doctrinal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of doctrine¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin doctrīna “teaching,” from doct(o)r doctor + -īna -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of doctrine¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin doctrīna teaching, from doctor see _doctor

Example Sentences

The court used its newly fashioned "major questions doctrine" to stymie Biden's efforts at student loan forgiveness and environmental regulations, holding that Congress did not give him explicit authorisation to do so.

From BBC

The answer hinges on the application of what’s known as the “major questions doctrine,” which limits presidential authority over issues of great economic or policy importance in the absence of direct endorsement from Congress.

From Salon

The mechanism for implementing that ideal in the U.S. relies heavily on a long-standing Supreme Court doctrine that extends constitutional rights to individuals and organizations alike.

From Salon

Many Catholic universities teach social justice doctrines of the Catholic Church, which have a long history of support for organized labor.

From Los Angeles Times

Board of Education led to the Court deeming segregation in public education to be unconstitutional, dismantling the separate but equal doctrine and marking the end of the Jim Crow era.

From Salon

Related Words

• attitude 
• axiom 
• belief 
• concept 
• creed 
• dogma 
• precept 
• proposition 
• regulation 
• rule 
• statement 
• teaching 
• tenet 
• tradition