Definition

Adjective: - Relating to or involving doctrine: Pertaining to a set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a religious, political, philosophical, or other group. - Concerned with theoretical principles rather than practical application: Focused on the formal, accepted teachings of a system of thought.

Usage

The adjective "doctrinal" is used to describe anything that is connected to, derived from, or concerned with a formal body of teachings or dogma. It is most commonly applied in religious, political, and academic contexts.

Examples

• The council was convened to resolve doctrinal differences within the church.
• His research focuses on the doctrinal foundations of constitutional law.
• The debate was purely doctrinal, with little relevance to everyday practice.
• Scholars analyzed the doctrinal evolution of the political movement.

Advanced Usage

• Doctrinal purity: Adherence to the strict, original principles of a doctrine.
  • The faction was obsessed with maintaining doctrinal purity.
• Doctrinal statement: A formal declaration of a group's core beliefs.
  • All members must sign the doctrinal statement.

Variants and Related Words

• Doctrine (n): A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a group.
• Doctrinally (adv): In a way that relates to doctrine.
  • The groups are doctrinally opposed.

Synonyms

• Dogmatic: Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.
• Theological: Relating to the study of the nature of God and religious belief.
• Ideological: Based on or relating to a system of ideas and ideals.

Antonyms

• Pragmatic: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical considerations.
• Heterodox: Not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs.

Related Phrases

• Doctrinal dispute: A disagreement over matters of doctrine.
  • The schism was caused by a centuries-old doctrinal dispute.
• Doctrinal adherence: Faithfulness to a set of doctrines.
  • Their doctrinal adherence is uncompromising.

Adjective

1. relating to or involving or preoccupied with doctrine
   • quibbling over doctrinal minutiae