Doctrinaire
/ˌdɒktrɪˈnɛər/
adjectivenounC2
Definition
Doctrinaire means focusing only on a fixed set of ideas or principles, often in a strict or rigid way. A doctrinaire person or approach does not change or adapt, even if the situation needs flexibility. It can describe someone who cares more about following rules than about what works best in real life.
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See It in Action
As an adjective: Describing ideas or people who follow rules or theories very strictly
- •His doctrinaire approach to teaching made it hard for students to ask questions.
- •The leader was criticized for being too doctrinaire and not listening to others.
- •She held doctrinaire views that did not change even with new evidence.
As a noun: A person who is rigidly committed to a theory or doctrine
- •The doctrinaire refused to consider any other opinions.
- •Many saw him as a doctrinaire who cared more about rules than results.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "doctrinaire" like "strict" (A2 word), but about ideas and beliefs, not just rules or behavior.
- ✓Picture a person who always follows a rulebook exactly, even if it causes problems or seems unfair.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone refuses to listen or change their mind, no matter what others say.
- ✓Sounds like "doctor" + "air" → imagine a doctor in the air giving advice that never changes, no matter what happens on the ground.
- ✓Think of a story character who always follows the law exactly, even if it hurts people, like a strict judge or teacher.
- ✓NOT like "flexible" (can change easily)—doctrinaire means very fixed and rigid.
- ✓NOT like "open-minded" (willing to listen)—doctrinaire means closed to new ideas.
- ✓NOT like "casual" (relaxed)—doctrinaire is serious and strict about beliefs.
Try Other Words
- •Rigid: not able to change or bend (Use when focusing on unchanging attitudes or ideas)
- •Inflexible: unwilling to change (Use when emphasizing refusal to adapt)
- •Dogmatic: strongly stating opinions as facts (Use when ideas are stated without proof or listening to others)
- •Strict: following rules closely (Use in general for rules or behavior, less about ideas)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from French "doctrinaire" (related to doctrine + -aire suffix)
- •Etymology: from Latin "doctrina" meaning teaching or doctrine (a set of beliefs)
- •Historical development: used since the 18th century to describe people who strictly follow doctrines or theories
- •Modern usage: used mainly to criticize people or ideas that are too fixed or unchanging in beliefs
- •Interesting fact: Often used in politics or philosophy to describe people who care more about theory than practical results
Reflect & Connect
•Can being doctrinaire ever be helpful? When might strict ideas protect important values?
•How does being doctrinaire affect conversations or teamwork where many opinions matter?
Fill in the blanks
1.A doctrinaire person often refuses to ___ their beliefs, even when shown new facts.
2.When someone is doctrinaire, they may ignore ___ or practical problems.
3.Unlike flexible thinkers, doctrinaire people find it hard to ___ their ideas.
4.The teacher’s doctrinaire style made students feel ___ to ask questions or share opinions.
5.Politicians who are doctrinaire often focus on ___ rather than compromise.
6.Someone who is not doctrinaire will usually ___ different opinions and change their mind.
7.A doctrinaire approach can lead to ___ problems because it ignores real-life situations.