Is 'doctrine' formal or informal?

What's the difference between 'doctrine' and 'belief'?

How is 'doctrine' different from 'belief'?

Can 'doctrine' be used in academic writing?

← Dictionary

doctrine

/ˈdɒktrɪn/

IELTSAcademic

noun

An idea or set of ideas that a group believes in and teaches.

The company follows a strict management doctrine.
Soldiers are trained under military doctrine.
This legal doctrine guides court decisions.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'doctrine' is more formal and systematic than 'belief' or 'opinion'; it suits institutional teaching. Unlike 'dogma', it can be rational and flexible, not just rigid. Writers choose 'doctrine' for structured ideas, not casual views.

In other languages

Spanish: Doctrina
Japanese: 教義
Korean: 교리
Vietnamese: Giáo lý
Chinese: 教义

Common phrases

military doctrinepolitical doctrinelegal doctrinereligious doctrine

Synonyms

creed dogma ideology principle tenet

Frequently asked questions

Is 'doctrine' formal or informal?: Is 'doctrine' formal or informal?
What's the difference between 'doctrine' and 'belief'?: How is 'doctrine' different from 'belief'?
Can 'doctrine' be used in academic writing?: Can 'doctrine' be used in academic writing?
Is 'doctrine' a common word?: Is 'doctrine' a common word?