ideological
/ˌaɪdiəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
ADJECTIVE
1. Relating to an ideology or system of beliefs
Of, relating to, or concerned with a particular system of ideas, principles, beliefs, or doctrines, especially those concerning political, social, or philosophical matters.
1.1. Political beliefs and principles
Relating to the political principles, beliefs, and doctrines that guide individuals, parties, movements, or governments.
Synonyms
- political
- doctrinal
- doctrinaire
Examples
- The political parties engaged in a fierce battle over their ideological differences during the election campaign.
- The party's manifesto outlined its core values and ideological principles.
Related Words
1.2. Philosophical and theoretical frameworks
Relating to abstract ideas, intellectual principles, or theoretical systems that provide a framework for understanding society, human behavior, or the world.
Synonyms
- philosophical
- theoretical
- conceptual
- abstract
- ideational
Antonyms
- concrete
- practical
- nonabstract
Examples
- The academic conference explored various ideological perspectives on social justice and equity.
- The professor challenged students to critically analyze the ideological foundations of historical events.
Related Words
- metaphysical
- intellectual
- speculative
- notional
- theoretic
1.3. Doctrinal and dogmatic positions
Describing beliefs or positions characterized by strict adherence to established doctrines or principles, often with little willingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
Synonyms
- dogmatic
- doctrinaire
- doctrinal
- adamant
- inflexible
- rigid
Antonyms
- broadminded
- open-minded
- receptive
- undogmatic
- undoctrinaire
Examples
- The organization maintained an ideological position that left little room for disagreement.
- His ideological commitment made him reluctant to consider alternative interpretations.
Related Words
- obstinate
- obdurate
- headstrong
- unyielding
- opinionated
- pertinacious
ADJECTIVE
2. Based on an ideology rather than objective evidence or reality
Influenced by a particular system of beliefs or preconceived ideas rather than being grounded in scientific evidence, factual information, or practical reality.
2.1. Ideologically biased interpretation
Describing opinions, studies, statistics, or interpretations shaped by preconceived ideological beliefs instead of objective evidence.
Synonyms
- subjective
- dogmatic
- doctrinaire
Antonyms
Examples
- Critics dismissed the report as ideological because its conclusions were not supported by reliable scientific evidence.
- The researcher warned against allowing ideological assumptions to influence the interpretation of the statistics.
Related Words
- biased
- partisan
- propagandistic
- preconceived
- unsubstantiated
2.2. Unrealistic or speculative ideas
Describing beliefs, proposals, or visions that are based more on abstract ideals, assumptions, or imagined possibilities than on practical conditions.
Synonyms
- idealistic
- utopian
- quixotic
- unrealistic
- impractical
- visionary
Antonyms
- realistic
- pragmatic
- practical
- hard-nosed
Examples
- Critics considered the proposal too ideological and impractical for the country's economic conditions.
- The movement's ideological vision promised a perfect society but offered few workable solutions.
Related Words
- fanciful
- chimerical
- hypothetical
- speculative
- starry-eyed
- messianic