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Dogmas Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dogmas

[ˈdɒɡməz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious beliefs

Dogmas are authoritative beliefs or doctrines that are accepted as true within a religion, often without being questioned or doubted. They are considered essential to the faith and are usually taught by religious authorities.

Synonyms

creed, doctrine, tenet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dogmas

Dogmas are often used in a religious or philosophical context to refer to established beliefs or principles that are not supposed to be questioned. They can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting inflexibility or rigidity.

  • The church has several strict dogmas that followers must adhere to.
  • He refused to challenge the dogmas of his political party, even when he didn't agree with them.
doctrine

Doctrine refers to a set of ideas or beliefs taught or held by a particular group, often in a religious, political, or military context. It implies a level of formality and official acceptance.

  • The Monroe Doctrine shaped American foreign policy in the 19th century.
  • The church's doctrine on this issue has been clear for centuries.
creed

A creed is a set of beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions, typically used in religious or spiritual contexts. It emphasizes the unity and community aspect of shared beliefs.

  • The Nicene Creed is recited in many Christian churches as a statement of faith.
  • She lived by a simple creed: treat others as you would like to be treated.
tenet

A tenet is a principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy. It is often used to highlight foundational or core beliefs.

  • One of the main tenets of Buddhism is the concept of suffering and its cessation.
  • The company operates on the tenet that customer satisfaction is paramount.

Examples of usage

  • The dogma of the Trinity is central to Christian belief.
  • The church's dogma on original sin is widely accepted by its members.
Context #2 | Noun

strongly held beliefs

Dogmas can also refer to strongly held beliefs or principles that are not necessarily religious in nature. These beliefs are often considered to be incontrovertibly true by those who hold them.

Synonyms

belief, conviction, principle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dogmas

Typically used to describe established and authoritative beliefs, often in a religious or ideological context. Can carry a negative connotation when implying rigidity or unwillingness to change.

  • The church adheres to its ancient dogmas without question
  • Her dogmas were challenged by new scientific discoveries
belief

Used to refer to a personal or shared acceptance that something is true, often without definitive proof. Can be used in both everyday and formal contexts.

  • She has a strong belief in the power of positive thinking
  • His belief in justice drove him to become a lawyer
principle

Refers to fundamental truths or rules that guide behavior or thought. Often used in contexts of ethics, laws, and rules of conduct.

  • One of his guiding principles is to treat others with respect
  • Scientists often rely on basic principles to understand complex phenomena
conviction

Describes a firmly held belief, often associated with a strong feeling of certainty. Commonly used when someone is deeply convinced of their stance, sometimes in a moral or ethical context.

  • Her conviction about the importance of honesty inspired many
  • Despite opposition, he spoke with conviction

Examples of usage

  • He clung to the dogma that hard work always leads to success.
  • Her political dogma dictated her views on taxation and government.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • The term originates from the Greek word 'dogma,' meaning a strong belief or opinion.
  • Philosophers have debated whether dogmas can ever be justified, questioning if they should be reconsidered or challenged.

Religion

  • In many religions, dogmas outline key beliefs that followers must accept, such as the divinity of certain figures or sacred texts.
  • Different religious traditions can have conflicting dogmas, often leading to debates or schisms within faith communities.

Science

  • Scientific dogmas can refer to long-held theories that, while widely accepted, may eventually be challenged by new evidence.
  • The scientific method encourages questioning ingrained dogmas to promote discovery and progress in understanding.

Psychology

  • Psychologists study how dogmas influence behavior, beliefs, and social dynamics, showing their impact on decision-making.
  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when new information conflicts with dogmas, leading to discomfort and a desire for resolution.

Politics

  • Political dogmas can create divisions between groups, as differing beliefs about governance can lead to conflict.
  • Historically, dogmas have influenced movements, shaping ideologies that drive revolutions and reforms.

Origin of 'dogmas'

The word 'dogma' has its origins in Greek, coming from the term 'dogma' meaning 'opinion' or 'decree'. In ancient Greece, it referred to authoritative teachings or decrees. Over time, it evolved to encompass religious beliefs that are considered unquestionably true. The concept of dogma has been a central aspect of religious traditions throughout history, shaping the beliefs and practices of various faiths.

See also: dogmatism.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,139, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.