Doctrine
/ˈdɒktrɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsA belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a group (such as a church or political party). It is a fundamental principle, especially of religious faith.
/ˈdɒktrɪn/
A set of beliefs or principles taught by a church, political party, or other group.
The church adheres to the doctrine of salvation through faith.
💡 Simply: Imagine a rulebook for a club or religion. A doctrine is like the main things they believe and teach everyone.
👶 For kids: A doctrine is like a rule book that tells you what a group believes.
More Examples
The president's speech outlined his new economic doctrine.
The company's marketing doctrine emphasizes customer satisfaction.
How It's Used
"The church's central doctrines revolve around the Holy Trinity."
"The party's foreign policy doctrine advocates for international cooperation."
A stated principle of governmental or political policy, especially in foreign or military affairs.
/ˈdɒktrɪn/
A stated principle of government policy, mainly in foreign or military affairs.
The new administration is debating its foreign policy doctrine.
💡 Simply: Like a government's 'how-to' guide for dealing with other countries or the military. It tells them how to make decisions and what they should do.
👶 For kids: It's a special rule that a country's leaders use to decide how to treat other countries.
More Examples
The military's new doctrine emphasized rapid response capabilities.
The president's doctrine aims to promote world peace.
How It's Used
"The Monroe Doctrine influenced U.S. foreign policy for much of the 19th century."
"Military doctrine dictates the strategies and tactics used in combat."
Idioms & expressions
Monroe Doctrine
A U.S. policy of opposing European colonialism in the Americas.
"The Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President James Monroe, asserted that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization."
shock doctrine
The idea of using large-scale crises, such as natural disasters or economic meltdowns, to push through unpopular policies while people are in a state of shock and can't resist.
"Critics argue that certain governments and organizations have employed the shock doctrine in the wake of major crises to implement controversial economic reforms."
From Latin *doctrina* meaning "teaching, instruction," derived from *docere* "to teach."
Historically, the word 'doctrine' has been used to describe both religious and philosophical teachings, and its usage has broadened to include political principles.
Memory tip
Think 'doctor' teaching 'principles' to a large group.
Word Origin
"teaching, instruction"