Doctrinaire
[,dɒktrɪ'neə] or [,dɑktrə'nɛr]
Definition
(adj.) stubbornly insistent on theory without regard for practicality or suitability .
Inputed by Armand--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) One who would apply to political or other practical concerns the abstract doctrines or the theories of his own philosophical system; a propounder of a new set of opinions; a dogmatic theorist. Used also adjectively; as, doctrinaire notions.
Inputed by Lawrence
Definition
n. an unpractical theorist disposed to carry principles to logical but unworkable extremes: in France in 1815-30 one of a school who desired a constitution like that of Britain.—adj. theorist.—ns. Doctrinā′rian one given to theory; Doctrinā′rianism blind adhesion to one-sided principles.
Typist: Natalie
Examples
- So long as they do not blind people to the necessity for radical treatment, only a doctrinaire would object to them. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- To furnish these opportunities is to add to the resources of life, and only a doctrinaire adherence to a misunderstood ideal will raise any objection to them. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- There was nothing doctrinaire about him. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- If socialism will destroy initiative then only a doctrinaire would desire it. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- No wonder that mankind have been in the habit of calling statesmen of this class pedants, sophisters, doctrinaires, visionaries. Plato. The Republic.
Typed by Larry