Ideological Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ideological

[ˌʌɪdɪəˈlɒdʒɪkl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

political

Relating to or concerned with ideas or beliefs in a political context.

Synonyms

philosophical, political, theoretical.

Examples of usage

  • It is an ideological battle between the two political parties.
  • The government's decision was based on ideological principles.
Context #2 | Adjective

social

Relating to or based on a system of ideas and ideals, especially concerning economic or political theory and policy.

Synonyms

idealistic, utopian, visionary.

Examples of usage

  • The group was founded on strong ideological beliefs.
  • The ideological differences between the two groups led to conflicts.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Political Science

  • Ideological beliefs can shape the way people view issues like government, economics, and social justice.
  • In the political spectrum, ideologies range from conservatism to liberalism and socialism, affecting policies and governance.
  • Debates often arise from differing ideological perspectives, influencing laws and societal norms.

Philosophy

  • Different philosophers have developed ideas that lead to various ideologies, such as utilitarianism, which seeks the greatest happiness.
  • The concept of ideology can be used to analyze how individual beliefs influence broader societal trends and policies.
  • Existentialism challenges traditional ideologies, focusing on individual freedom and personal choice.

Cultural Studies

  • Cultural ideologies affect how communities interpret traditions, values, and practices, leading to either unity or conflict.
  • Media representation can reinforce or challenge existing ideologies, shaping public perception and opinion.
  • Consumer culture often reflects ideological beliefs about success, happiness, and identity in contemporary society.

Education

  • Educational systems can be influenced by ideologies, affecting curriculum choices and teaching methods.
  • Critiques of ideology in education often focus on how certain beliefs are favored over others in school settings.
  • Critical pedagogy encourages questioning dominant ideologies and promotes social justice through education.

Origin of 'ideological'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ideological' comes from the Greek word 'idea', meaning a concept or thought.
  • It was first used in the early 19th century, during times of political and social change.
  • The suffix '-logical' is derived from 'logos', meaning reason or explanation, emphasizing the reasoning behind beliefs.

The word 'ideological' originates from the French word 'idéologique' and was first used in the early 19th century. It stems from the combination of 'idéo-' meaning 'idea' and '-logical' meaning 'related to the study of'. The concept of ideology and its adjective form have been widely used in political and social contexts to describe beliefs, systems of thought, and principles guiding various movements and policies.


See also: ideologies.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,577 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.