ideology

noun

Save Word

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 Ryan admitted to following the sprawling extremist ideology, QAnon. — Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "Why Are We Still Trying To Rationalize Domestic Terrorists Storming The Capitol?," 11 Feb. 2021 Since then the countries have drawn closer, spurred on by ideology, business and isolation. — The Economist, "A special relationship How Qatar and Turkey came together," 23 Jan. 2021 Trump’s banishment was followed by other actions by social media sites, including Twitter’s ban of more than 70,000 accounts affiliated with the baseless QAnon ideology, which played a key role in fomenting the Capitol siege on Jan. 6. — Washington Post, "Misinformation dropped dramatically the week after Twitter banned Trump," 16 Jan. 2021 That’s particularly true for movements with an anti-government ideology, like the far-right paramilitary militia movement. — oregonlive, "End of Trump presidency won’t halt extremism’s rise, experts say," 3 Jan. 2021 That’s particularly true for movements with an anti-government ideology, like the far-right paramilitary militia movement. — Chris Joyner, ajc, "End of Trump era won’t halt extremism’s rise, experts say," 2 Jan. 2021 Not exactly a popular ideology in certain quarters these days. — David Harsanyi, National Review, "The True Meaning of Hanukkah," 9 Dec. 2020 Today the festival is considered a kind of informal opening ceremony for the Summer of Love: A new, liberated ideology was taking hold in the culture, and here was its soundtrack. — Amanda Petrusich, Smithsonian Magazine, "The Exotic Vest That Introduced America to Jimi Hendrix," 18 Nov. 2020 JUST Capital and our partners at the Harris Poll have found that people want the same things from business regardless of ideology—a good job, leaders with integrity, and fair wages. — Alison Omens, Fortune, "Why business shouldn’t want a divided government under Biden," 13 Nov. 2020

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.