Word
ideological
Meanings
based on a particular set of political or social ideas, especially when these ideas strongly shape opinions or decisions
driven by fixed beliefs rather than practical evidence or compromise
Definition
Based on or strongly influenced by a set of political or social ideas, often in a rigid way.
Ideological describes beliefs, arguments, or actions that come from a particular system of ideas about society or politics. It often suggests that someone is guided more by theory or doctrine than by practical evidence. The word can be neutral, but it frequently implies a fixed or uncompromising viewpoint.
Examples
- The committee rejected the proposal for ideological reasons, even though the pilot results were promising.
- She found the discussion exhausting because it turned into an ideological argument instead of a practical plan.
- His ideological commitment to free expression made him defend speakers he personally disliked.
- They left the organization after concluding that its leadership had become increasingly ideological and intolerant of dissent.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse ideological with idealistic; ideological refers to a system of ideas (often political), while idealistic means hopeful or unrealistic about how things should be.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.