ideology
gb/ˌaɪdiˈɑləd͡ʒi/ us/ˌaɪdiˈɑləd͡ʒi/
B2
English
~ 4200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
Set of political or social beliefs
A group of ideas and beliefs about how a country, society, or group should work.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s ideology
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'ideology' with 'idea'. 'Idea' is a single thought, while 'ideology' is a whole system of beliefs.
Synonyms
doctrine (Often formal and refers to official principles taught by an institution.)
|
creed (Usually refers to religious or moral beliefs.)
Antonyms
pragmatism (Focuses on practical results rather than a fixed set of beliefs.)
Collocations
political ideology
|dominant ideology
|religious ideology
|ideology of [something]
|ideological conflict
Themes
politics
|society
|philosophy
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- His political ideology emphasizes individual freedom over government control.
- The party's ideology is based on equality and social justice.
- Fascism and communism are very different ideologies.
- Her ideology shapes the way she votes and the causes she supports.
Learner examples
- My father's ideology is very traditional.
- The new law fits with the government's ideology.
- We studied the ideology of the French Revolution.
- His ideology is different from mine.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
2
Study of the origin of ideas
The study of where ideas come from and how they change over time in society.
Synonyms
philosophy of ideas (Broad term for the academic study of ideas.)
Collocations
Marxist ideology
|scientific ideology
Themes
philosophy
|history
|education
|politics
Examples
- In academic circles, ideology can refer to the study of how human ideas are formed.
- Some scholars approach literature through the lens of ideology.
- The course examines the ideology behind cultural movements.
Learner examples
- We learned about the ideology of Greek thought.
- She studies ideology in modern art.
- The book is about the ideology of science.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ideology
IPA
GB/ˌaɪdiˈɑləd͡ʒi/
US/ˌaɪdiˈɑləd͡ʒi/
Syllables & stress
ideo - logy (2 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ideology
- Plural: ideologies, ideology
Word family
Forms
ideologies
noun
Core family
ideological
adjective C1
ideologically
adverb
Related words
ideologue
noun
Negative and opposite forms
non-ideological
adjective
Advanced or less common
ideologist
noun
Expressions
dominant ideology
1/dˈɑmənənt ˌaɪdiˈɑləd͡ʒi/
fixed phrase
formal
Main beliefs in a society
The most common ideas and values in a society.
Examples
- The dominant ideology often reflects the interests of those in power.
- Media can help spread the dominant ideology.
political ideology
1/pəlˈɪtɪkəl ˌaɪdiˈɑləd͡ʒi/
fixed phrase
Belief system about politics
A set of ideas about how a country should be governed.
Examples
- Democracy is not a political ideology but a form of government.
- Her political ideology leans toward liberalism.
ideological conflict
1/ˌaɪdiəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkəl kˈɑnflɪkt/
fixed phrase
conflict caused by beliefs
A serious fight or argument between people or groups because they have very different beliefs or ideas.
Examples
- The Cold War was largely an ideological conflict.
- The country is experiencing an ideological conflict between conservatives and liberals.
- Ideological conflicts can slow down decision-making in politics.
- Ideological conflict within the party has slowed down decision-making.