doctrine

The word “doctrine” means a set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a religion, philosophy, or organization. In plain terms, a formal set of teachings or a guiding policy, especially in religion, ideology, or government.

“Doctrine” is pronounced DOK-trihn (/ˈdɑk.tɹɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “doctrine” used in a sentence: “The church's doctrine has changed little over the centuries.”

“Doctrine” is a noun.

The word “doctrine” comes from Latin. From Latin doctrina, "teaching," from docere, "to teach" — the same root as "doctor.".

“Doctrine” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Doctrine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a religion, philosophy, or organization.

A doctrine is a set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a religion, philosophy, or organization. Dogma is doctrine laid down by an authority as unquestionably true, so calling something dogma often implies rigidity, while doctrine is the more neutral term.

No. Besides religious teaching, doctrine covers legal principles, as in the doctrine of precedent, as well as military thinking and official policy. A stated policy guiding a country's conduct in foreign affairs is also called a doctrine.

In foreign affairs, a doctrine is a stated policy that guides a country's official conduct, often announced by a national leader and later referred to by that leader's name. It signals in advance how the country intends to respond to particular situations.

A policy is a practical course of action adopted to achieve specific goals, and it can change readily. A doctrine is the deeper set of principles that policies are meant to follow, so doctrines tend to be broader and longer lasting.