ideology

The word “ideology” means a connected set of beliefs, values, or principles held by a person, group, or movement, especially a political one. In plain terms, a whole belief system, usually political, that guides how a person or group thinks and acts.

“Ideology” is pronounced eye-dee-OL-uh-jee (/aɪ.diˈɑ.lə.d͡ʒi/ in IPA).

Here is “ideology” used in a sentence: “The party's ideology hasn't changed much in fifty years.”

“Ideology” is a noun.

The word “ideology” dates back to around 1796 and comes from French.

“Ideology” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

An ideology is a connected set of beliefs, values, or principles shared by a person, group, or movement, especially a political one, and it usually guides action. A philosophy can be more personal and reflective, or refer to the academic discipline that examines questions of knowledge, existence, and ethics.

In academic and neutral use, ideology simply names any organized system of beliefs. In everyday speech, though, it often carries a negative edge, suggesting rigid or dogmatic thinking, as when critics dismiss an opponent's position as "pure ideology."

A belief is a single conviction, while an ideology is a connected set of beliefs, values, and principles that fit together into a system. Thinking taxes should be lower is a belief; a complete framework of political and economic positions is an ideology.

An ideology is a connected system of beliefs that can, in principle, be debated and revised, while dogma refers to doctrines laid down by an authority and treated as beyond question. Calling an ideology dogmatic implies it is being held too rigidly.