Definitions for: Dogma


[n] a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative; "he believed all the Marxist dogma"
[n] a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof



Webster (1913) Definition: Dog"ma, n.; pl. E. Dogmas, L. Dogmata. [L. dogma,
Gr. ?, pl. ?, fr. ? to think, seem, appear; akin to L. decet
it is becoming. Cf. Decent.]
1. That which is held as an opinion; a tenet; a doctrine.

The obscure and loose dogmas of early antiquity. --
Whewell.

2. A formally stated and authoritatively settled doctrine; a
definite, established, and authoritative tenet.

3. A doctrinal notion asserted without regard to evidence or
truth; an arbitrary dictum.

Syn: tenet; opinion; proposition; doctrine.

Usage: -- Dogma, Tenet. A tenet is that which is
maintained as true with great firmness; as, the tenets
of our holy religion. A dogma is that which is laid
down with authority as indubitably true, especially a
religious doctrine; as, the dogmas of the church. A
tenet rests on its own intrinsic merits or demerits; a
dogma rests on authority regarded as competent to
decide and determine. Dogma has in our language
acquired, to some extent, a repulsive sense, from its
carrying with it the idea of undue authority or
assumption. This is more fully the case with its
derivatives dogmatical and dogmatism.

Synonyms: tenet

See Also: article of faith, church doctrine, credendum, creed, doctrine, gospel, ism, philosophy, religious doctrine, school of thought

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