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dogma

DOG-muh /ˈdɒɡmə/

nounC1GRESAT

academicformal

A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.

Carries a strongly negative connotation of rigid adherence to doctrine without open critical examination.

The story behind the word. Originally, Greek 'dogma' simply meant a thought, opinion, or decree. When early Christian theologians used the term for official church teachings, it gradually acquired the meaning of absolute rules that believers must accept without dispute.

Word relationships

doctrine: Can be neutral (official teachings), whereas dogma implies uncritical, unquestioned belief.
tenet: Refers to a specific belief within a system without the harsh judgment associated with dogma.

open-mindedness: Willingness to consider new ideas and challenge existing beliefs.
skepticism: The practice of questioning and testing assumptions.

Commonly confused with

doctrine: Doctrine is an organized set of beliefs; dogma is doctrine enforced with unyielding authority.

Word family

dogmatic (adjective): Inclinable to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.
dogmatism (noun): The arrogant assertion of opinions as truths.

Collocations

rigid dogma
religious dogma
political dogma
question dogma

Example sentences

"Progress in science often requires challenging the established dogma of previous generations." Intellectual History
"The CEO warned that clinging to outdated organizational dogma would lead to failure in a dynamic market." Corporate Strategy

Memory hook

A DOG stays obediently in place; DOGma stays rigidly obedient to fixed ideas. Unquestioned rules imposed by authority.

When not to use

Avoid using for flexible guidelines or tentative scientific hypotheses that welcome debate.

Fun facts

'Dogma' in classical Greek was used for official decrees issued by government assemblies.