What does "doctrinaire" mean?
A person who stubbornly holds to a philosophy or opinion regardless of its feasibility.
Doctrinaire
adj, noun
adj, noun ·3 syllables ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person who stubbornly holds to a philosophy or opinion regardless of its feasibility.
- Grammar: doctrinaire is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: antiblack, armchair authority, assertive, authoritarian.
- Useful contrasts: contextualist, flexible, flexible thinker.
- Usage evidence: And he is not above feeling grave and well-contained satisfaction wherever the socialist doctrinaire has been contradicted by men attempting to practise coöperation in the midst of the competitive system, as in Belgium.
How to use "doctrinaire"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "doctrinaire" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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Source and review context
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person who stubbornly holds to a philosophy or opinion regardless of its feasibility.
"And he is not above feeling grave and well-contained satisfaction wherever the socialist doctrinaire has been contradicted by men attempting to practise coöperation in the midst of the competitive system, as in Belgium."
- 2 a stubborn person of arbitrary or arrogant opinions wordnet
- 3 In France, in 1815–30, one of a school who desired a constitution like that of Britain. historical
Adjective
- 1 Stubbornly holding on to an idea without concern for practicalities or reality.
"Mr. Chapman began to talk in a loud voice about the situation in the House of Commons. He guffawed at his adversaries. The word doctrinaire—word full of terror to the British mind—reappeared from time to time between his explosions."
Adjective
- 1 stubbornly insistent on theory without regard for practicality or suitability wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"And he is not above feeling grave and well-contained satisfaction wherever the socialist doctrinaire has been contradicted by men attempting to practise coöperation in the midst of the competitive system, as in Belgium."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "doctrinaire"?
Common synonyms include: antiblack, armchair authority, assertive, authoritarian, authoritative, biased.
How do you use "doctrinaire" in a sentence?
And he is not above feeling grave and well-contained satisfaction wherever the socialist doctrinaire has been contradicted by men attempting to practise coöperation in the midst of the competitive system, as in Belgium.
Etymology
Borrowed from French doctrinaire, from doctrine + -aire.