Words / C2

dog-MAT-ik/dɒɡˈmætɪk/

Dogmatic means stating opinions as if they were unquestionable fact, with no room for doubt. Opinionated is everyday and milder; authoritarian is about power, not only tone. A dogma is a belief treated as settled; dogmatism is the noun. In speech, he will not be told or treats it as gospel is more natural. It is almost always a criticism in academic English.

Meaning

Stating opinions as if they were facts that cannot be questioned.

Examples

• “A dogmatic teacher leaves no room for discussion.”
• “A dogmatic reading list left no space for disagreement.”
• “She is firm, not dogmatic: she can still change her mind on evidence.”

Good to know

Opinion as unquestionable fact. Noun: dogmatism. Everyday: opinionated / treats it as gospel. Usually critical.

Near in meaning

opinionated

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