Dogmatic
dog-MAT-ik
/dɒɡˈmætɪk/
Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without considering evidence or other opinions.
Implies ideological stubbornness rooted in belief systems, rules, or doctrines.
The story behind the word. In ancient Greece, 'dogma' was simply an opinion or philosophical decree. Over centuries, through theological use, it came to describe rigid religious principles that followers were forbidden to question.
Word relationships
- doctrinaire: 'Doctrinaire' focuses heavily on rigid adherence to theoretical doctrine; 'dogmatic' applies broadly to arrogant assertion of beliefs.
- opinionated: 'Opinionated' is informal and applies to personal views; 'dogmatic' implies treating views as unchallengeable truths.
- open-minded: Open-minded implies willingness to consider new ideas and evidence.
- pragmatic: Pragmatic means solving problems in a sensible, flexible way rather than following fixed rules.
Commonly confused with
- Intransigent: Intransigent describes refusal to compromise in a conflict; dogmatic describes asserting opinions as absolute truth.
Word family
- dogma (noun): a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true
- dogmatist (noun): a person who asserts opinions in a dogmatic manner
- dogmatize (verb): to express opinions in a dogmatic way
Collocations
- dogmatic assertion
- dogmatic belief
- dogmatic insistence
- dogmatic stance
Idioms & expressions
- my way or the highway
- lay down the law
Example sentences
- "The professor's dogmatic approach to literary analysis alienated students who held differing perspectives." Academic critique
- "A truly scientific mind must remain open to new evidence rather than remaining dogmatic." Political debate
Memory hook
DOG-MATIC: Imagine a DOG guarding its food AUTOMATICALLY—it won't let anyone question its right to the bowl! Guarding opinion like strict dogma.
When not to use
Do not use for physical stubbornness (like a mule refusing to move); it applies to opinions and doctrines.
Fun facts
- The word 'orthodox' comes from similar Greek roots ('orthos' right + 'doxa' opinion).
Related words
Explore more words
dogma, dogmatism, bigotry, unequivocal, absolutism, sectarian
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