Ideology
noun /ˌaɪ.diˈɒl.ə.dʒi/ — A system of ideas forming the basis of political or social theory.
Definition
A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy. Every ideology provides a framework for understanding the world — and in doing so, necessarily emphasises some aspects over others.
Beyond the definition
Ideology is invisible to those inside it. It feels like common sense, like the natural order, like simply how things are. The fish doesn't notice the water; the ideologist doesn't notice the ideology.
Origin & history
French: 'idéologie'. From Greek 'idea' (idea, form) + 'logos' (study). Coined by Antoine Destutt de Tracy in 1796 to mean 'the science of ideas'. Marx gave it its modern critical sense.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The firm insisted it had no ideology — which is itself an ideology.
She could trace her family's ideology through three generations — the assumptions that had always gone unquestioned.
Ideology becomes most visible when it fails: when the predictions don't pan out, when the model breaks down.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Ideology” when the meaning fits your context: A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy. Every ideology provides a framework for understanding the world — and in doing so, necessarily emphasises some aspects over others.
Synonyms
worldview, doctrine, belief system, philosophy
Antonyms
Related words
Ideology vs philosophy
An ideology is a specific, often rigid, system of political or social beliefs intended to guide action. A philosophy is generally a more abstract or personal framework for understanding existence.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Debate at Crossroads
Two adults stand at a crossroads in a dense woods, each pointing toward paths leading into light and shadow.
The conflicting points of view at the crossroads represent different ideologies, each offering a distinct framework for understanding the world and directing how life should be lived.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Ideology" mean?
Ideology is noun meaning: A system of ideas forming the basis of political or social theory.. A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy. Every ideology provides a framework for understanding the world — and in doing so, necessarily emphasises some aspects over others.
Where does the word "Ideology" come from?
French: 'idéologie'. From Greek 'idea' (idea, form) + 'logos' (study). Coined by Antoine Destutt de Tracy in 1796 to mean 'the science of ideas'. Marx gave it its modern critical sense.