ideology
noun
ˌi-dē-ˈä-
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Ideology has been in use in English since the end of the 18th century and is one of the few words whose coiner we can identify. The French writer A. L. C. Destutt de Tracy proposed it as a term to designate the “science of ideas,” and in that sense the word was quickly borrowed into English. Though ideology originated as a serious philosophical term, within a few decades it took on connotations of impracticality thanks to Napoleon, who used it in a derisive manner. Such connotations are still present in some contexts, but the word today is largely used neutrally, most often to refer to a systematic body of concepts, and especially to the set of ideas and beliefs held by a particular group or political party.
Synonyms
Examples of ideology in a Sentence
Tess Owen, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
This full-length video captures their creative process and ideology while chronicling the movement’s beginnings and first year’s effects.
—Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
History provides ample evidence of the consequences of allowing ideology to govern scientific inquiry.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2024
Focused rage can topple institutions, demolish ideologies, rally revolutions, step on the gas of progress or simply destroy us all.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near ideology
Cite this Entry
“Ideology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideology. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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ideology
noun
ˌid-
Medical Definition
ideology
noun
ˌid-
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