ideological
|i-de-o-log-i-cal|
🇺🇸
/ˌaɪdiəˈlɑdʒɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌaɪdiəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
related to a system of ideas
Etymology
'ideological' originates from French, specifically the word 'idéologique', where the element 'idéologie' was formed from Greek 'idea' (ἰδέα) meaning 'form, idea' and Greek 'logia' (λογία) meaning 'study', with the English adjectival suffix '-al' added.
'ideological' changed from the French word 'idéologique' (from the noun 'idéologie', coined in late 18th century) and eventually entered English as 'ideological' in the early 19th century.
Initially related to the 'study' or 'science' of ideas ('ideology' as a concept of studying ideas), it evolved to mean 'relating to or driven by a system of beliefs', often with political connotations.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or based on a particular set of ideas or beliefs (an ideology).
The policy was criticized as being purely ideological rather than evidence-based.
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Adjective 2
concerned with or supporting a particular political or social ideology.
The debate quickly became ideological, with each side citing different foundational beliefs.
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Adjective 3
showing strong adherence to a doctrine or system of ideas, often inflexible or dogmatic.
Her critiques were dismissed as ideological rather than objective analysis.
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Last updated: 2026/01/02 03:19