Words / C1

DOKTR-in/ˈdɒktrɪn/

A doctrine is a set of beliefs taught by a church, party, or school of thought: party doctrine, a legal doctrine, military doctrine. Belief is everyday and looser; dogma is a close, often critical cousin (beliefs treated as beyond question); policy is what you do, not the creed. Doctrinal is the adjective. In speech, official beliefs or the party line is enough. Doctrine is taught as a system. Do not use it for one passing opinion.

Meaning

A set of beliefs taught by a church, party, or school of thought.

Examples

• “The doctrine shaped the party’s policy.”
• “The doctrine shaped the party’s education policy for a decade.”
• “Stare decisis is a legal doctrine, not a slogan on a poster.”

Good to know

An official set of beliefs (church, party, law, military). Everyday: official beliefs / the party line. Close: dogma (more rigid, often critical). Adjective: doctrinal.

Near in meaning

dogma

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