Doctrine

/ˈdɒktrɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group.

The doctrine of his church emphasizes the importance of forgiveness.

A stated principle of government policy, mainly in international relations.

The Monroe Doctrine was a significant policy that opposed European colonialism in the Americas.

A principle or position in a system of beliefs.

The doctrine of separation of powers is fundamental to our government.

An official declaration of a principle or policy.

The school adopted a new doctrine on sustainable practices.

Late Middle English: from Old French 'doctrine', from Latin 'doctrina', from 'docere' meaning 'to teach'.

doctrine of predestination

The belief that God has predetermined who will be saved.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas.

doctrinal statement

A formal summary of the beliefs held by a religious group.

dogma

A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.

tenet

A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.

creed

A system of Christian or other religious belief; a faith.

Doctrinaire

He followed a doctrinaire approach to marketing that ignored market changes.

Doctrine-heavy

The meeting was doctrine-heavy, focusing too much on rigid rules rather than adaptability.