Doctrine
noun
A set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a group, such as a church or political party.
The doctrine of the Catholic Church is based on the Bible.
Often appears as...
- religious doctrine
- political doctrine
noun
A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group.
Monroe doctrine is a U.S. principle of the early 19th century.
Often appears as...
- legal doctrine
- monroe doctrine
noun
A principle or rule established in a previous legal case that is either binding on or provides guidance for a court when making a decision in a case with similar issues or facts.
The judge's ruling was based on the doctrine of precedent.
Often appears as...
- doctrine of precedent
- doctrine of fair use
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a group, such as a church or political party.
The doctrine of the Catholic Church is based on the Bible.
Often appears as...
- religious doctrine
- political doctrine
noun
A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group.
Monroe doctrine is a U.S. principle of the early 19th century.
Often appears as...
- legal doctrine
- monroe doctrine
noun
A principle or rule established in a previous legal case that is either binding on or provides guidance for a court when making a decision in a case with similar issues or facts.
The judge's ruling was based on the doctrine of precedent.
Often appears as...
- doctrine of precedent
- doctrine of fair use
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Group Specific
The term 'doctrine' often refers to a set of beliefs unique to specific groups, like a church or party.
Buddhist doctrine rejects the idea of a permanent self.
Pro Tip 2/3Complex Terms
'Doctrine' implies a comprehensive, sometimes complex, set of ideas, not just one simple belief.
Kant's doctrine of transcendental idealism is vast and complex.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Casual
The word 'doctrine' has a formal tone and is usually not used in casual conversation.
We discussed the doctrine of utilitarianism in our ethics class.
Pro Tip 1/3Group Specific
The term 'doctrine' often refers to a set of beliefs unique to specific groups, like a church or party.
Buddhist doctrine rejects the idea of a permanent self.
Pro Tip 2/3Complex Terms
'Doctrine' implies a comprehensive, sometimes complex, set of ideas, not just one simple belief.
Kant's doctrine of transcendental idealism is vast and complex.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Casual
The word 'doctrine' has a formal tone and is usually not used in casual conversation.
We discussed the doctrine of utilitarianism in our ethics class.
Pro Tip 1/3Group Specific
The term 'doctrine' often refers to a set of beliefs unique to specific groups, like a church or party.
Buddhist doctrine rejects the idea of a permanent self.
Pro Tip 2/3Complex Terms
'Doctrine' implies a comprehensive, sometimes complex, set of ideas, not just one simple belief.
Kant's doctrine of transcendental idealism is vast and complex.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Casual
The word 'doctrine' has a formal tone and is usually not used in casual conversation.
We discussed the doctrine of utilitarianism in our ethics class.
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Video examples
Roxane Gay: Confessions...
We have the right to move through the world as we choose, free from harassment or violence. We have the right to easy, affordable access to birth control, and reproductive services. We have the right to make choices about our bodies, free from legislative oversight or evangelical doctrine.
Video examples
I grew up in the...
and it changed the way we spoke to one another. It took time, but eventually these conversations planted seeds of doubt in me. My friends on Twitter took the time to understand Westboro's doctrines, and in doing so, they were able to find inconsistencies I'd missed my entire life.
Video examples
History 101: The...
was the ultimate spiritual authority. Plus, he criticized the Church for selling indulgences, the practice of purchasing forgiveness of one's sins by giving money to the Church. Luther believed the Church needed to revise its doctrine by returning to the Bible's teachings
Video examples
Uncovering the brain's...
instead of one connected tissue. The neuron doctrine laid the foundation for modern neuroscience, and allowed later researchers to discover that electrical impulses are constantly converted between chemical and electrical signals as they travel from neuron to neuron.
Video examples
How nationalism and...
our cultural identity, our prosperity, our political systems -- everything -- the health of our planet -- everything. So on the one hand, we have nationalism. Collins defines it as a "devotion to one's nation," but also, a "doctrine that puts national interests
Video examples
Letting go of God PIPE...
but I never really knew the doctrine, or what they said to people when they were out on a mission, and I guess I was sort of curious, so I said, "Well, please, come in." And they looked really happy, because I don't think this happens to them all that often.
Video examples
Why do people join...
A typical cult requires a high level of commitment from its members and maintains a strict hierarchy, separating unsuspecting supporters and recruits from the inner workings. It claims to provide answers to life's biggest questions through its doctrine,
Video examples
Why should you read...
But its social critique cuts far deeper. Raskolnikov rationalizes that his own advancement at the cost of the exploitative pawnbroker’s death would be a net benefit to society. In doing so, he echoes the doctrines of egoism and utilitarianism
Video examples
Karen Armstrong: Let's...
that this was so central to the religious life. Because with a few wonderful exceptions, very often when religious people come together, religious leaders come together, they're arguing about abstruse doctrines or uttering a council of hatred
Video examples
The real meaning of soul...
a statement that still makes me shiver along with the emergency call SOS save our souls the long arm of church doctrine reached deep even going so far as to insist that a life lost could be a soul found
Video examples
Roxane Gay: Confessions...
We have the right to move through the world as we choose, free from harassment or violence. We have the right to easy, affordable access to birth control, and reproductive services. We have the right to make choices about our bodies, free from legislative oversight or evangelical doctrine.
Video examples
I grew up in the...
and it changed the way we spoke to one another. It took time, but eventually these conversations planted seeds of doubt in me. My friends on Twitter took the time to understand Westboro's doctrines, and in doing so, they were able to find inconsistencies I'd missed my entire life.
Video examples
History 101: The...
was the ultimate spiritual authority. Plus, he criticized the Church for selling indulgences, the practice of purchasing forgiveness of one's sins by giving money to the Church. Luther believed the Church needed to revise its doctrine by returning to the Bible's teachings
Video examples
Uncovering the brain's...
instead of one connected tissue. The neuron doctrine laid the foundation for modern neuroscience, and allowed later researchers to discover that electrical impulses are constantly converted between chemical and electrical signals as they travel from neuron to neuron.
Video examples
How nationalism and...
our cultural identity, our prosperity, our political systems -- everything -- the health of our planet -- everything. So on the one hand, we have nationalism. Collins defines it as a "devotion to one's nation," but also, a "doctrine that puts national interests
Video examples
Letting go of God PIPE...
but I never really knew the doctrine, or what they said to people when they were out on a mission, and I guess I was sort of curious, so I said, "Well, please, come in." And they looked really happy, because I don't think this happens to them all that often.
Video examples
Why do people join...
A typical cult requires a high level of commitment from its members and maintains a strict hierarchy, separating unsuspecting supporters and recruits from the inner workings. It claims to provide answers to life's biggest questions through its doctrine,
Video examples
Why should you read...
But its social critique cuts far deeper. Raskolnikov rationalizes that his own advancement at the cost of the exploitative pawnbroker’s death would be a net benefit to society. In doing so, he echoes the doctrines of egoism and utilitarianism
Video examples
Karen Armstrong: Let's...
that this was so central to the religious life. Because with a few wonderful exceptions, very often when religious people come together, religious leaders come together, they're arguing about abstruse doctrines or uttering a council of hatred
Video examples
The real meaning of soul...
a statement that still makes me shiver along with the emergency call SOS save our souls the long arm of church doctrine reached deep even going so far as to insist that a life lost could be a soul found
Example 1 of 10
Quote examples
John Quincy Adams
American President
It is among the evils of slavery that it taints the very sources of moral principle. It establishes false estimates of virtue and vice: for what can be more false and heartless than this doctrine which makes the first and holiest rights of humanity to depend upon the color of the skin?
Quote examples
John Lewis Gaddis
American Historian
If there is one great power, and the great power has taken upon itself the right to preempt and is choosing for itself when and in what circumstances it's going to do that, obviously it leads people in the rest of the world to wonder how far this doctrine extends.
Quote examples
Belle Boyd
American Celebrity
I do not set myself up as an advocate of the woman's right doctrine, but would rather appear in the character of a quiet lady expressing her sentiments, not so much to the public as to her immediate friends.
Quote examples
Glenn Kelman
American Businessman
We need to create technologies - and a culture of respect, and an updated legal doctrine, too - that allow creative folks to make money from their own efforts.
Quote examples
Joseph B. Wirthlin
American Businessman
In the lonely hours, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about eternal things. I have contemplated the comforting doctrines of eternal life.
Quote examples
Thomas Huxley
English Scientist
The only question which any wise man can ask himself, and which any honest man will ask himself, is whether a doctrine is true or false.
Quote examples
Bill Keller
American Editor
I do care if religious doctrine becomes an excuse to exclude my fellow citizens from the rights and protections our country promises.
Quote examples
Ezra Taft Benson
American Leader
Students at universities are sometimes so filled with the doctrines of the world they begin to question the doctrines of the gospel.
Quote examples
Khalil Gibran
Lebanese Poet
Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides us from truth.
Quote examples
Robert Green Ingersoll
American Lawyer
The doctrine of immortality rests upon human affection. We love; therefore, we wish to live.
Quote examples
John Quincy Adams
American President
It is among the evils of slavery that it taints the very sources of moral principle. It establishes false estimates of virtue and vice: for what can be more false and heartless than this doctrine which makes the first and holiest rights of humanity to depend upon the color of the skin?
Quote examples
John Lewis Gaddis
American Historian
If there is one great power, and the great power has taken upon itself the right to preempt and is choosing for itself when and in what circumstances it's going to do that, obviously it leads people in the rest of the world to wonder how far this doctrine extends.
Quote examples
Belle Boyd
American Celebrity
I do not set myself up as an advocate of the woman's right doctrine, but would rather appear in the character of a quiet lady expressing her sentiments, not so much to the public as to her immediate friends.
Quote examples
Glenn Kelman
American Businessman
We need to create technologies - and a culture of respect, and an updated legal doctrine, too - that allow creative folks to make money from their own efforts.
Quote examples
Joseph B. Wirthlin
American Businessman
In the lonely hours, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about eternal things. I have contemplated the comforting doctrines of eternal life.
Quote examples
Thomas Huxley
English Scientist
The only question which any wise man can ask himself, and which any honest man will ask himself, is whether a doctrine is true or false.
Quote examples
Bill Keller
American Editor
I do care if religious doctrine becomes an excuse to exclude my fellow citizens from the rights and protections our country promises.
Quote examples
Ezra Taft Benson
American Leader
Students at universities are sometimes so filled with the doctrines of the world they begin to question the doctrines of the gospel.
Quote examples
Khalil Gibran
Lebanese Poet
Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides us from truth.
Quote examples
Robert Green Ingersoll
American Lawyer
The doctrine of immortality rests upon human affection. We love; therefore, we wish to live.
Example 1 of 10
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