Doctrinal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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doctrinal
[ˈdɒk.trɪ.nəl ]
Definitions
legal
Relating to a doctrine or set of doctrines, especially religious ones.
Synonyms
dogmatic, philosophical, theological.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doctrinal |
Used when referring to specific religious or ideological beliefs and rules.
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| dogmatic |
Used when describing someone who lays down principles as unquestionably true without consideration for evidence or the opinions of others. It often has a negative connotation.
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| theological |
Used when discussing the study of the nature of God and religious beliefs, typically within a formal academic setting.
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| philosophical |
Used when dealing with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, often in a broad and abstract manner.
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Examples of usage
- The party's platform is based on a doctrinal commitment to individual freedom.
- The court's decision was influenced by doctrinal considerations.
educational
Relating to the principles or teachings of a particular subject, especially in a systematic way.
Synonyms
academic, instructional, scholarly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doctrinal |
Used when referring to a principle, policy, or theory, particularly in religious or ideological contexts.
|
| instructional |
Used to describe something intended to teach or provide instructions.
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| academic |
Refers to anything related to education, schools, universities, or scholarly activities. It can also imply something theoretical or not practical.
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| scholarly |
Refers to work or activity that is scholarly, typically associated with serious academic study and research.
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Examples of usage
- The university's doctrinal approach to economics emphasizes practical application.
- The doctrinal differences between the two schools of thought led to a lively debate.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religion
- Many religions have doctrinal beliefs that guide their followers' actions, such as the Ten Commandments in Christianity.
- Doctrines can evolve over time, as seen in various Christian denominations adapting their beliefs and practices.
Law
- In legal contexts, doctrinal analysis involves interpreting laws and how they apply to specific cases.
- Judicial doctrines, such as the principle of 'stare decisis', emphasize the importance of following established legal precedents.
Political Theory
- In politics, doctrinal positions can shape party platforms, influencing debates on social policies.
- The term 'doctrinaire' describes a strong adherence to a particular political doctrine, often seen as rigid or inflexible.
Philosophy
- Many philosophical schools, like Utilitarianism, have doctrinal components that dictate how to evaluate right and wrong.
- Doctrines in philosophy encourage critical thinking about ethics, knowledge, and existence.
Origin of 'doctrinal'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'doctrina', meaning 'teaching' or 'instruction'.
- In English, 'doctrine' began to be used in the 14th century to describe specific religious teachings.
The word 'doctrinal' comes from the Latin word 'doctrina', meaning 'teaching' or 'instruction'. It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century. Over time, 'doctrinal' has come to be associated with the concepts of belief systems, teachings, and principles, particularly in religious or academic contexts.
See also: doctrinaire, doctrines, indoctrinate.