Word
doctrine
Phoneticsdoc·trine, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɑktɹən/
UK/dˈɒktɹɪn/
Definitions
01religious or philosophical beliefs
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Religion Formal · Academic
n. a specific belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group.
n. a belief or system of beliefs accepted as authoritative by a group, particularly in theological or philosophical contexts.
日本語:主義※
“The church leaders met to discuss a new doctrine regarding modern family life.”
“The council spent years debating the finer points of the doctrine to ensure it remained consistent with their foundational texts.”
Teaching tip
While 'dogma' often has a negative connotation of being narrow-minded, 'doctrine' is more neutral and academic.
Antonyms
02government policy
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal · Academic
n. a statement of government policy, especially in international relations.
n. a stated principle of government policy, typically in foreign affairs, that dictates how a nation will respond to specific international situations.
日本語:ドクトリン※
“The president announced a new doctrine to protect smaller nations from invasion.”
“Historians often analyze how the Monroe Doctrine shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Americas for over a century.”
Usage
Often capitalized when referring to a specific historical policy, such as the Truman Doctrine.
03legal principle
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Technical · Formal
n. a rule or principle used in law to make decisions.
n. a rule, principle, or body of law established through past legal decisions.
“The judge relied on a long-standing legal doctrine to make her final decision.”
“The doctrine of precedent ensures that similar legal cases are decided in a consistent manner across the judicial system.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized use; students will mostly encounter it in law textbooks or high-level political reporting.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “doctrine” in context.
Verb
01. adhere to the doctrine
“Followers are expected to adhere to the doctrine without questioning its origins.”
verb + prep + noun
02. espouse a doctrine
“The political party began to espouse a doctrine of radical economic reform.”
verb + noun
03. formulate a doctrine
“The administration worked for months to formulate a doctrine regarding foreign intervention.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. central doctrine
“The concept of free will is a central doctrine of many modern religions.”
adj + noun
05. orthodox doctrine
“He was criticized for deviating from orthodox doctrine during his sermon.”
adj + noun
06. prevailing doctrine
“The prevailing doctrine in the legal system at that time favored the landowners.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. military doctrine
“The country updated its military doctrine to address the threat of cyber warfare.”
noun + noun
08. tenet of the doctrine
“Non-violence is a fundamental tenet of the doctrine practiced by the group.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“These changes were guided by a legal doctrine known as cy pres , which requires that any changes to a foundation’s mission have to adhere as closely as possible to the donor’s original intent.” “In early America, Quakers, respecting “the doctrine of simplicity,” held a generally negative view of the fine arts and art education , writes Erin E.” Etymology
From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin doctrina (“teaching, instruction, learning, knowledge”), from doctor (“a teacher”), from docere (“to teach”); see doctor.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/doctrine
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0