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dogma

DOG-muh /ˈdɒɡmə/

nounC1GRESATGMAT

formalacademic

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

Carries a distinct negative connotation of rigid, uncritical acceptance, implying that questioning it is strictly forbidden.

The story behind the word. In ancient Greece, 'dogma' meant 'that which seems good' or a formal decision passed by an assembly. Classical philosophers used it to describe settled doctrines of their schools. As church councils met to resolve early theological controversies, their official decrees became known as dogmas—unalterable statements of belief that members were required to hold.

Word relationships

article of faith: An article of faith emphasizes religious commitment, while dogma emphasizes authoritative enforcement.

skepticism: Skepticism involves questioning statements rather than accepting them as unalterable truth.

Commonly confused with

doctrine: Doctrine refers to taught principles, whereas dogma emphasizes rigid, unchallengeable authority.

Word family

dogmatic (adjective): Incurably assertive and opinionated without proof.
dogmatist (noun): A person who asserts dogmas.
dogmatism (noun): Arrogant assertion of unproved principles.

Collocations

rigid dogma
central dogma
blind dogma
question dogma

Idioms & expressions

entrenched dogma

Example sentences

"Steve Jobs advised graduates, 'Don't be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people's thinking.'" Philosophical Speech Citation (Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Address (2005))
"Modern geneticists questioned the central dogma of molecular biology after discovering complex epigenetic factors." Scientific Context

Memory hook

Don't be like a stubborn DOG sticking to DOGMA. Barking out unalterable truths.

When not to use

Do not use for flexible hypotheses, experimental guidelines, or open ideas subject to debate.

Fun facts

Francis Crick coined the phrase 'Central Dogma' in molecular biology as a joke, admitting later he didn't realize dogma meant something that could not be questioned!