Definition of IDEOLOGY (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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First, Trump is not anchored in ideology but driven by pragmatism. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 This type of vision and planning creates opportunities for consensus, partnership, and even funding, across sectors and ideologies. —Dr. Ashwin Vasan, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025 On his first day in office last week, Trump signed an order recognizing two sexes, male and female, and taking aim at what the order described as gender ideology extremism. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025 The executive orders listed include those involving immigration, energy, diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs, and gender ideology. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ideology