Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To speak or express opinions in a dogmatic manner; to assert opinions as if they are unquestionably true, often without consideration of evidence or differing viewpoints.
   • To make dogmatic statements.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To present or state (a belief, opinion, or principle) as an established dogma or absolute truth.

Usage and Examples

• Intransitive Verb:

  • He tends to dogmatise about politics, leaving no room for discussion.
  • The lecturer didn't just explain; he dogmatised, which discouraged questions.

• Transitive Verb:

  • The leader sought to dogmatise his personal philosophy as the official doctrine.
  • You cannot simply dogmatise your assumptions and expect everyone to accept them.

Advanced Usage and Nuance

• The verb often carries a negative connotation, implying arrogance, inflexibility, or an unwillingness to engage in reasoned debate.
• It is frequently used in academic, religious, or ideological contexts to criticize a manner of speaking that shuts down inquiry.
• "to dogmatise on/about something": This prepositional phrase is commonly used with the intransitive form.
  • She is always dogmatising about the correct way to raise children.

Variants and Related Words

• Dogmatize: This is the primary and more common spelling, especially in American English. 'Dogmatise' is a variant spelling.
• Dogmatism (n): The tendency to lay down principles as undeniably true.
• Dogmatic (adj): Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.
• Dogma (n): A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.

Synonyms

• Pontificate: To speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way.
• Lay down the law: To assert something authoritatively and often imperiously.
• Assert categorically: To state something in an absolute, unconditional manner.

Antonyms

• Question: To express doubt about; to inquire.
• Doubt: To be uncertain about.
• Speculate: To form a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

Related Phrases and Constructions

• To avoid dogmatising: A common piece of advice in academic or scientific writing to encourage open-mindedness.
  • In his conclusion, the researcher was careful to avoid dogmatising, noting the limitations of the study.

Verb

1. speak dogmatically
2. state as a dogma