Words / C2

doktr-i-NAIR/ˌdɒktrɪˈneə/

Doctrinaire means applying theory rigidly and ignoring facts: a doctrinaire timetable, doctrinaire cuts. Dogmatic (already in the dictionary) is close; ideological is wider. Pragmatic is the usual opposite. A doctrine is the belief system; doctrinaire is the inflexible person/policy.

Meaning

Applying a theory rigidly and ignoring practical facts.

Examples

• “A doctrinaire timetable left no time for questions.”
• “Doctrinaire hiring rules blocked the best candidate.”
• “A doctrinaire reading of the theory ignored the data.”

Good to know

a doctrinaire policy/approach. Close: dogmatic. Opposite flavour: pragmatic.

Near in meaning

dogmatic

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