ideology

 
Pronunciation: /ˌʌɪdɪˈɒlədʒi, ɪd-/

noun

  • 1 (plural ideologies) a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy: the ideology of republicanism
  • the set of beliefs characteristic of a social group or individual: a critique of bourgeois ideology
  • 2 [mass noun] archaic the science of ideas; the study of their origin and nature.
  • archaic visionary speculation, especially of an unrealistic or idealistic nature.

Derivatives

ideological

Pronunciation: /-əˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)l/
adjective

ideologically

Pronunciation: /-əˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)li/
adverb

ideologist

noun

Origin:

late 18th century (in ideology (sense 2)): from French idéologie, from Greek idea 'form, pattern' + -logos (denoting discourse or compilation)

Spelling help

Remember that the beginning of ideology is spelled ideo-.