Dogmatically Meaning: Definition and Examples
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dogmatically
[dΙΙ‘ΛmΓ¦tΙͺkli ]
Definition
assertive attitude
Dogmatically refers to the manner of expressing opinions in a rigid, authoritative way. It implies an inflexible approach where one holds their beliefs or opinions as unquestionably true, often disregarding alternative viewpoints.
Synonyms
authoritatively, doctrinally, rigidly.
Examples of usage
- She argued dogmatically, refusing to consider any other perspectives.
- His dogmatically held views made discussions very difficult.
- The professor spoke dogmatically about the theories, not allowing students to challenge him.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophy, being dogmatic often refers to adhering to doctrines without accepting doubt or alternative viewpoints.
- Philosophers like Descartes opposed dogmatic beliefs, arguing for questioning assumptions in the pursuit of truth.
- Anti-dogmatism is central in pragmatism, where ideas are judged based on their practical consequences rather than strict adherence.
Pop Culture
- Dogmatic characters often appear in books and films, demonstrating rigid beliefs that create conflict with others, such as in '1984' by George Orwell.
- Reality TV shows sometimes feature dogmatic personalities, leading to dramatic confrontations and polarized views.
- Comedy often uses dogmatic characters to highlight the absurdity of extreme beliefs, showcasing how they can be out of touch with reality.
Psychology
- People who are dogmatic may suffer from cognitive rigidity, which limits their ability to see alternative perspectives.
- This behavior is tied to aspects of personality, such as the need for certainty or a low tolerance for ambiguity.
- Research in psychology shows that dogmatic individuals may also have a stronger emotional reaction to challenges against their beliefs.
Education
- In educational contexts, dogmatic teaching can stifle critical thinking and creativity among students.
- Contrastingly, open-ended discussions encourage inquiry and reduce the likelihood of dogmatic attitudes.
- Teachers who promote active questioning are often more effective as they encourage students to explore and understand various viewpoints.
Origin of 'dogmatically'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'dogma,' which originates from the Greek word 'dogma' meaning 'opinion, belief'.
- The Greek root can be traced back to the verb 'dokein,' which means 'to seem' or 'to think,' highlighting how beliefs can appear certain.
- It became widely used in English during the 16th century, particularly in religious contexts.
The term 'dogmatically' is derived from the word 'dogma,' which has its roots in the Greek word 'dogma' meaning 'that which one thinks' or 'opinion.' This Greek origin is related to 'dokein,' meaning 'to seem' or 'to think.' The suffix '-ic' suggests a characteristic of or pertaining to, while '-ally' indicates that it is in the manner of. Historically, 'dogma' was used in ecclesiastical contexts to refer to doctrines set by authoritative bodies, primarily within religious frameworks. Over time, the term has broadened to encompass any system of beliefs, often implying that such beliefs are held with strong conviction and without consideration of evidence or alternative views. The adverb form 'dogmatically' thus conveys a sense of inflexibility and certainty in one's perspectives, especially in discussions or debates.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #28,827, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
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- 28827 dogmatically
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