ideology
n. C / Un. a set of beliefs or ideas that shape how a person or group thinks about the world. You usually hear this word when people talk about politics or economics.
n. a comprehensive system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory. Frequently used to describe the underlying beliefs of a specific social group or movement.
The political party is built on a strict socialist ideology.
The new leader promised to focus on practical solutions rather than pushing a specific political ideology that divides the country.
Critics argue that the curriculum is less about education and more about instilling a rigid ideology, leaving students ill-equipped to engage with dissenting viewpoints.
Borrowed from French idéologie, from idéo- + -logie (equivalent to English ideo- + -logy). Cognate with, but not derived from, idea. Coined 1796 by Antoine Destutt de Tracy. Modern sense of “doctrine” attributed to use of related idéologue (“ideologue”) by Napoleon Bonaparte as a term of abuse towards political opponents in early 1800s.
Uncountable when referring to the general concept of belief formation; countable when denoting specific belief systems. Often followed by 'of' to specify the group or movement.