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

• ˌideoˈlogically, adverb
• ideological, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ideology¹

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

Example Sentences

Antifa does exist as a loose-knit ideology with some adherents who have engaged in violence.

From Washington Post

I always wonder with these alt-right types if they began as trolls and picked up a coherent ideology later or if it’s the other way around.

From Vox

It’s a little surprising to hear you say that Miller has a “firm ideology” because he built his reputation as a troll, and we don’t typically think of trolls as serious ideologues.

From Vox

The ideologies of the party were less hard and fast 40 years ago.

From FiveThirtyEight

Meanwhile, proposals have been raised year after year — on the basis of fiscal concerns, ideology or both — to limit the value of federal employment benefits or shift more of the cost to employees.

From Washington Post

The man behind the desk is a fictional character—a ferocious patriot exposing the limits of rigid ideology.

From The Daily Beast

His ideology is just so strong and so powerful that it clouds his vision for common sense and objectiveness.

From The Daily Beast

ALEC attracted corporations that saw an opportunity to push an agenda, regardless of ideology.

From The Daily Beast

ALEC echoed the ideology of Charles Wilson, the first Defense Secretary in the Eisenhower administration.

From The Daily Beast

There were no obvious leaders; no single ideology or organization held sway over the crowd.

From The Daily Beast

In such changes we see the collapse of "bourgeois ideology."

From Project Gutenberg

And the ideology has been carried to the extreme of calling the whole world an idea, a phantasmagoria.

From Project Gutenberg

They borrowed his phraseology and his distinctive idioms without adopting his ideology.

From Project Gutenberg

To Liebknecht all that Carlyle has said about heroes is contrary to ideology and inversion of the truth.

From Project Gutenberg

Michael has told me that he very soon felt that there wasn't much ideology or thought, foundation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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