ideology

noun

ide·ol·o·gy | \ ˌī-dē-ˈä-lə-jē

, ˌi-

variants: or less commonly idealogy \ ˌī-dē-ˈä-lə-jē

, -ˈa- , ˌi- \

plural ideologies

Definition of ideology

1a : a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture

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

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

2 : visionary theorizing

Other Words from ideology Synonyms What Does ideology Mean? Example Sentences Learn More about ideology

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What Does ideology Mean?

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. Today, the word most often refers to “a systematic body of concepts,” especially those of a particular group or political party.

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

His statements fueled widespread speculation that officials are suppressing the report to protect their political ideologies. — Herton Escobar, Science | AAAS, "Brazilian government accused of suppressing data that would call its war on drugs into question," 13 June 2019 CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports that Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders today sought to explain and defend his political ideology – democratic socialism. — Caitlin Conant, CBS News, "2020 Daily Trail Markers: Sanders' speech sparks debate on democratic socialism," 12 June 2019 On his journeys Olmsted met many slaveholders and came to loathe their system and their craven ideology; Tony finds their remnants festering. — David W. Blight, Washington Post, "In his last book, Tony Horwitz sets out once more to find America," 4 June 2019 Meanwhile, chief rival Bernie Sanders seems as enthusiastic as ever about his Marxist ideology. — James Freeman, WSJ, "Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Enthusiasm," 29 May 2019 Though their ideologies were initially peaceful, from all accounts, MOVE's members weren’t exactly ideal neighbors. — Kim Kelly, Teen Vogue, "The History of the Black Radical Group MOVE and Its Infamous Bombing by Police," 17 May 2019 For Bannon, global influence involves the export and import of political ideology rather than the movement of armies across physical borders. — Jonathan Allen, NBC News, "Trump the nationalist celebrates D-Day's triumph of internationalism," 5 June 2019 And mid-century is a perfect era that embodied so many of these ideologies: female empowerment, understanding of structure, and conveying structure in its most honest and raw portrayal through design. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Best Room Wins," 30 May 2019 What happened here was fuelled by a warped ideology that knows no boundaries. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Prince William Gave a Moving Speech at Christchurch's Al Noor Mosque. Here's the Full Transcript.," 26 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ideology.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.