Words / C1

DOGM-uh/ˈdɒɡmə/

Dogma is a belief taught by an authority as unquestionably true: religious dogma, party dogma. Doctrine (already in the dictionary) is a close twin, often official teaching; a hypothesis is for testing; scepticism sits opposite. “The hall always holds two hundred” dies against a certificate that names ninety.

Meaning

A belief or set of beliefs taught by an authority as unquestionably true.

Examples

• “Dogma that “the hall always holds two hundred” dies against the fire certificate.”
• “Doctrine is already in this course. Creed is religious. A rule of thumb is informal. Occupancy is a numbered document. Corridor custom is folklore. File the certificate; retire the always.”

Good to know

A belief treated as beyond question. Close: doctrine (already in the dictionary). Contrast: a hypothesis. Corridor custom ≠ occupancy.

Near in meaning

doctrine

New