Words / C1

yd-ee-OL-uh-jee/ˌaɪdiˈɒlədʒi/

An ideology is a fairly systematic set of beliefs that guides a group’s politics or worldview. Native writers use it when ideas come as a package, not as one opinion. A belief can be personal; a doctrine is more official; propaganda is persuasion, often dishonest. Ideological is the adjective. The word can be descriptive or critical, depending on tone.

Meaning

A set of beliefs that guide a person or group.

Examples

• “The party’s ideology shaped the policy.”
• “Market ideology shaped how the university priced its courses.”
• “She rejected the ideology that success is only individual.”

Good to know

an ideology. adjective: ideological. weaker: belief. official: doctrine.

Near in meaning

worldview

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