Meaning & use

ideology

noun·Advanced

A system of ideas and ideals, especially about politics or economics, that shapes how a person or group thinks and acts.

See it in a sentence

The two parties disagreed sharply, each guided by a very different ideology.

Historians study how ideology influenced propaganda during the Cold War.

A note on using this word

Ideology often carries a slightly critical tone in everyday speech, suggesting rigid or biased thinking, though it is neutral in academic use.

Words with a similar meaning

philosophydoctrinebelief system

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