ideology

American  

[ahy-dee-ol-uh-jee, id-ee-] / ˌaɪ diˈɒl ə dʒi, ˌɪd i- /

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.

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ideology British  

/ 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

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ideology Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• ideological adjective
• ideologically adverb

Etymology

Origin of ideology

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

Example Sentences

Europe’s savage self-destruction reunited techne and themis: the technologies of the Industrial Revolution and the ideologies of the French Revolution.

From The Wall Street Journal

Through this journey of self-exploration I have come to realize how coercive gender-identity ideology was for me, disguising harm as compassion.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The best way to honor Charlie’s memory,” he tweeted, “is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse.”

From Salon

Growing up, I was surrounded by revolutionary ideas, banned books and family and friends who professed socialist, nationalist and religious beliefs, or even a mix of these seemingly contradictory ideologies.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is no longer about ideology, this is about standing up for those who are being wrongly arrested, being unfairly harassed or being made to feel constantly frightened in their own homes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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