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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

ideology

eye-dee-OL-uh-jee
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Ideology (noun) means a connected set of beliefs, values, or principles held by a person, group, or movement, especially a political one. Example: “The documentary explored how a shared ideology can unite a movement.”

noun
1
A connected set of beliefs, values, or principles held by a person, group, or movement, especially a political one.
"The documentary explored how a shared ideology can unite a movement."
"Communism and capitalism are two very different economic ideologies."
"The party's ideology hasn't changed much in fifty years."

How to use ideology

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA whole belief system, usually political, that guides how a person or group thinks and acts.

Common pairings
political ideology shared ideology driven by ideology
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Word forms

Plural
ideologies
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Fill the gap

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The documentary explored how a shared _____ can unite a movement.

Etymology

Coined in French in 1796 by Antoine Destutt de Tracy from idéo- + -logie. Napoleon later twisted the related word "ideologue" into an insult for his political opponents, which is partly why "ideology" can carry a negative tone today.

Origin: French · First attested 1796

Class of 1796 ideology joined the language around 1796.
idealism
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Synonyms

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creed doctrine worldview belief system dogma credo

Related words

law credit religion teaching incredible principle philosophy belief

Rhymes for ideology

eulogy apology zoology biology ecology analogy geology trilogy etiology pedagogy mycology virology
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Frequently asked questions

What does “ideology” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “ideology”?
“Ideology” is pronounced eye-dee-OL-uh-jee (/aɪ.diˈɑ.lə.d͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “ideology” in a sentence?
Here is “ideology” used in a sentence: “The party's ideology hasn't changed much in fifty years.”
What part of speech is “ideology”?
“Ideology” is a noun.
Where does the word “ideology” come from?
The word “ideology” dates back to around 1796 and comes from French.
Is “ideology” a common word?
“Ideology” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between ideology and philosophy?
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.
Does ideology have a negative connotation?
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."
What is the difference between an ideology and a belief?
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.
What is the difference between ideology and dogma?
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.

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Words with the root "-ology" Words that start with I

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