official set of beliefs or principles

doctrine

noun|/ˈdɑk.trɪn/

A set of beliefs or principles taught as authoritative knowledge

Examples

In a meeting

Our company doctrine on customer service is that we always respond within 24 hours.

Over coffee

His fitness doctrine is simple: consistency beats intensity.

Why this word

belief

Doctrine is a formal, codified system of principles, not just individual conviction

teaching

Doctrine implies official, authoritative principles of a system, not just any instruction

principle

Doctrine is a comprehensive set of formal tenets, while principle is a single rule or truth

Usage tip

Use for established principles or teachings, especially formal or organizational ones

Etymology

Latin 'doctrina' (teaching, learning), from 'doctor' (teacher), from 'docere' (to teach)

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