dogma
/ˈdɒɡmə/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
δοκεῖν (dokein) — to seem, to think
Overview
Meaning Now
- A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
- A definite authoritative tenet, especially one in a religious context.
Literal older meaning
that which seems to one, an opinion
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → English
Earliest form
dogma
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
Originally a neutral term in Greek philosophy for a tenet or a decree by a public authority, the word acquired a more rigid and often pejorative sense in post-Reformation English, where it became associated with the unquestioning acceptance of theological doctrines.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
δόγμα (dógma)
“opinion, belief, decree”
Derived from dokein.
- Latin
dogma
“philosophical tenet or decree”
- Early Modern English
dogma
“an established belief or doctrine”
Connections
Word parts
dog-
root
to think or seem
-ma
suffix
suffix indicating result of action
Related across languages
French
dogme
dogma
German
dogma
Explore next
Related to dogma
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.