Definition of IDEOLOGIES (original) (raw)

: a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture

: the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program

: a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture

Did you know?

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

the ideology of a totalitarian society He says that the election is not about ideology.

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

At a time of populist fervor (and concern that these institutions have abandoned rigorous inquiry for activist ideology), this Ivy League overrepresentation has been a sore spot. —Frederick Hess, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Mars in this fire sign will show you how to assert yourself-— while balancing the ideology of selfless love toward those in your circle. —Essence, 1 Nov. 2024 Briefly tell us about their history, ideology, and recruitment. —Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 Most came from the Prussian aristocracy, a group traditionally wary of Hitler's populism and Nazi ideology. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ideology