doctrine

IPA/ˈdɒktrɪn/
KK[dˈɑktrən]IPA/ˈdɑːktrɪn/

doctrine — noun

  • doctrinesingular
  • doctrinesplural

1. A body of teachings that a religious or political organization presents to its m

1.nounB2
Definition

A body of teachings that a religious or political organization presents to its members as the correct understanding of its core ideas and values.

Example

Takeshi spent three years studying Buddhist doctrine at a university in Kyoto.

studying + [religion] + doctrine

Devika questioned whether the church's doctrine still applied to modern life.

questioning whether + doctrine + applies

Common collocations
  • Catholic doctrine
  • Christian doctrine
  • party doctrine
  • religious doctrine
  • political doctrine
  • official doctrine
  • church doctrine
  • economic doctrine
Synonyms
  • dogma

    More rigid and negative — implies beliefs that followers must accept without questioning; 'doctrine' is more neutral.

  • teaching

    Broader and less formal — can apply to any instruction from any source, not only official group beliefs.

  • tenet

    Refers to a single principle or belief, rather than a whole system or body of teachings.

  • creed

    Usually a formal written statement of religious beliefs used in prayers or declarations, narrower than 'doctrine'.

Grammar Patterns

the doctrine of [religion/political group]

doctrine + of + [abstract noun]

Usage Note

Usually refers to the official teachings of a group or institution, not an individual's personal beliefs. Often used with the name of the religion or organization in the pattern 'the [name] doctrine' or '[name] doctrine'.

Common Mistakes

His personal doctrine is that hard work always pays off.
His personal belief is that hard work always pays off.
'Doctrine' is reserved for the official teachings of an organization, not an individual's opinion.
I learned many doctrines in my philosophy class.
I learned many philosophical teachings in my philosophy class.
'Doctrine' sounds overly official for a general academic course; 'teachings' or 'concepts' is more natural.

2. An official policy or principle publicly declared by a government or a military

2.nounC1
Definition

An official policy or principle publicly declared by a government or a military organization, especially in matters of international relations, national defense, or security strategy.

Example

The president announced a new trade doctrine aimed at Asian markets.

announced a new + [domain] + doctrine

Military doctrine shifted after the war toward more defensive strategies.

Common collocations
  • military doctrine
  • security doctrine
  • defense doctrine
  • foreign policy doctrine
  • official doctrine
  • Monroe Doctrine
  • Truman Doctrine
Synonyms
  • policy

    Broader and less formal — applies to any course of action adopted by an organization, not only governments or militaries.

  • principle

    A single guiding rule or value, not a set of strategies; 'doctrine' implies a more comprehensive framework.

  • strategy

    Focused on practical methods for achieving goals, while 'doctrine' emphasizes underlying beliefs and principles.

Grammar Patterns

the [Name] Doctrine

under the + [adjective] + doctrine

[domain] doctrine

Usage Note

Frequently capitalized when it names a specific historical policy, such as the Monroe Doctrine or the Truman Doctrine. In military contexts, often refers to an established set of procedures and strategic principles.

Common Mistakes

The company announced a new marketing doctrine.
The company announced a new marketing strategy.
'Doctrine' is not used for business or corporate policies; use 'strategy' or 'policy' instead.
The doctrine of the school requires uniforms.
The school policy requires uniforms.
For institutional rules of non-political/non-religious organizations, use 'policy' or 'rule' rather than 'doctrine'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words relate to accepted beliefs, but they differ in scope, formality, and connotation. 'Doctrine' is neutral and refers to a complete body of official teachings held by an organization. 'Dogma' carries a negative tone — it suggests rigid beliefs that followers must accept without doubt or discussion. 'Tenet' is singular: one specific belief within a larger system, not the whole system itself. 'Creed' is narrower still, usually a short formal statement of faith recited by believers (e.g., the Apostles' Creed). 'Teaching' is the broadest and least formal — any instruction passed on, regardless of source or authority. For example: 'The doctrine of the Catholic Church includes many tenets, but the Nicene Creed summarizes the most important ones. Church teachings also cover areas like social justice, which are not always considered formal doctrine.'

doctrine ↗dogma ↗tenet ↗creed ↗teaching ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • body of doctrine
  • doctrine and practice

Prepositions

  • according to doctrine
  • under the doctrine
  • in doctrine

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

From Latin 'doctrina' meaning 'teaching, instruction, learning', which comes from 'doctor' meaning 'teacher', from the verb 'docere' meaning 'to teach'. The word entered English through Old French in the 14th century. Originally it simply meant 'something taught', but over time it narrowed to refer specifically to the official teachings of churches, political parties, and governments.