entry
doctrine
/ˈdɑːktrɪn/A system of teachings, beliefs, or guiding principles
From Latin doc- (teach).
from Latin doctrina "a teaching, body of teachings, learning,"
+1 more sourcefrom Old French doctrine (12c.) "teaching, doctrine" and directly
from Old French doctrine (12c.) "teaching, doctrine" and directly
Word Ancestry
from Latin doctrina "a teaching, body of teachings, learning,"
+1 more sourcefrom Old French doctrine (12c.) "teaching, doctrine" and directly
from Old French doctrine (12c.) "teaching, doctrine" and directly
A doctrine began life not as a rigid creed but as something taught by a teacher—the sort of knowledge passed from master to student. Its Latin ancestor, docēre, “to teach,” also produced doctor, so a doctor was originally a learned teacher rather than merely someone in a white coat. By the late 14th century, English doctrine could mean learning or education generally; only later did it become especially associated with official religious, political, or intellectual systems. The word gained a famous geopolitical spotlight when President James Monroe announced the Monroe Doctrine to Congress on December 2, 1823. A useful memory hook is that doctrine is what a doctor—or any authoritative teacher—lays down for others to learn and follow.
The Story
A doctrine began life not as a rigid creed but as something taught by a teacher—the sort of knowledge passed from master to student. Its Latin ancestor, docēre, “to teach,” also produced doctor, so a doctor was originally a learned teacher rather than merely someone in a white coat. By the late 14th century, English doctrine could mean learning or education generally; only later did it become especially associated with official religious, political, or intellectual systems. The word gained a famous geopolitical spotlight when President James Monroe announced the Monroe Doctrine to Congress on December 2, 1823. A useful memory hook is that doctrine is what a doctor—or any authoritative teacher—lays down for others to learn and follow.
Kin & Kindred
From 'doc-'·teach, instruct
Derived Terms
English words from this root