dogma

dog·ma

noun \ˈdȯg-mə, ˈdäg-\

plural dog·mas also dog·ma·ta \-mə-tə\

Definition of DOGMA

1

a : something held as an established opinion; especially : a definite authoritative tenet b : a code of such tenets <pedagogical dogma> c : a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds

2

: a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church

Examples of DOGMA

1. These new findings challenge the current dogma in the field.
2. <the Catholic dogma of the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary>
3. The Saudi regime has tried to deflect questions about its management of the country… by supporting and spreading an uncompromising religious dogma. —Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2001
4. He was known for his ability to burst the bubble of generally accepted dogma, to puncture it with data and detached observations. —Sherwin B. Nuland, New Republic, 19 Feb. 2001
5. It had long been biological dogma that whales were scarce in the open ocean, but the Navy was picking up whale songs thousands of miles from land. —Sharon Begley et al., Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2000
6. For in creating a cultural orthodoxy designed to combat racism, urban disorder, and a legacy of oppression, we subject ourselves to delusional dogma, the tyranny of conformity … —Gerald Early, Harper's, January 1997

Origin of DOGMA

Latin dogmat-, dogma, from Greek, from dokein to seem — more at decent

First Known Use: 1638

Related to DOGMA

Synonyms: canon, doctrine

Related Words: canon law; belief, conviction, tenet; credo, creed, ideology (also idealogy), philosophy, theology; axiom, precept, principle; symbol

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Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra