ideological
eye-dee-uh-LOJ-ih-kul
/ˌaɪ.di.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/
Based on or relating to a particular system of ideas, principles, or political beliefs.
Refers to formal systems of thought (political, economic, or religious) that structure how people interpret the world.
The story behind the word. Coined during the French Revolution by philosopher Antoine Destutt de Tracy as 'idéologie' ('science of ideas'), it originally named a discipline studying human thought. Napoleon Bonaparte later mocked abstract political thinkers as 'ideologues', giving the root its modern socio-political charge.
Word relationships
- doctrinal: Doctrinal focuses on official religious or institutional dogmas, while ideological covers broader political worldviews.
- dogmatic: Dogmatic emphasizes stubborn adherence to rules, whereas ideological describes the nature of the belief system itself.
- pragmatic: Guided by practical results and real-world conditions rather than theoretical doctrines.
- impartial: Free from allegiance to any overarching system of political belief.
Commonly confused with
- idealistic: Idealistic means pursuing noble or perfect goals, while ideological means adhering to a specific system of political ideas.
Word family
- ideology (noun): A system of ideas forming the basis of political or economic theory.
- ideologue (noun): An uncompromising adherent to a political ideology.
Collocations
- ideological struggle
- ideological bias
- ideological purity
- ideological divide
Example sentences
- "The Cold War was fundamentally an ideological struggle between Western capitalism and Soviet communism." International relations history
- "Researchers must maintain strict methodology to ensure their findings are free from political and ideological bias." Academic social science analysis
Memory hook
IDEAS structured into LOGIC create an IDEOLOGICAL framework. Rooted in political or philosophical doctrine.
When not to use
Do not use for practical daily choices or casual opinions that lack grounding in a broader political philosophy.
Fun facts
- Napoleon Bonaparte popularized 'ideologue' as an insult when he blamed abstract theorists for France's military setbacks.
Related words
Explore more words
ideology, idealistic, superstructure, creed, doctrine, indoctrination
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