doctrine

[dok-trin]

noun

1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government.

   Catholic doctrines;

   the Monroe Doctrine.

   Synonyms: belief, precept, theory, dogma, tenet

2. something that is taught; teachings collectively.

   religious doctrine.

3. a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject.

   the doctrine of the Catholic Church.

doctrine

/ ˌdɒktrɪˈnælɪtɪ, ˈdɒktrɪn, dɒkˈtraɪnəl /

noun

1. a creed or body of teachings of a religious, political, or philosophical group presented for acceptance or belief; dogma

2. a principle or body of principles that is taught or advocated

Other Word Forms

• doctrinism noun
• doctrinally adverb
• doctrinality noun
• doctrinist noun
• doctrinal adjective
• self-doctrine noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of doctrine¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin doctrīna “teaching,” from doct(o)r doctor + -īna -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of doctrine¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin doctrīna teaching, from doctor see _doctor

Example Sentences

So far, however, the so-called “major questions” doctrine has been used to restrict Democratic presidents, not Republicans.

From Los Angeles Times

“Fair use” doctrine, which allows for the limited reproduction of copyrighted material without consent in some circumstances, is a key component of AI companies’ defenses against copyright claims.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of racing to put the fire out immediately, as was the practice for decades, they deferred to the doctrines of modern fire science.

From Los Angeles Times

Any religion that’s thousands of years old and practiced in innumerable places will be beyond complicated in doctrine and nuance, and Buddhism is no exception.

From Los Angeles Times

He has elevated unpredictability to the status of a doctrine.

From BBC

Related Words

• attitude 
• axiom 
• belief 
• concept 
• creed 
• dogma 
• precept 
• proposition 
• regulation 
• rule 
• statement 
• teaching 
• tenet 
• tradition