dogmatisch

Definition & meaning

The adjective dogmatisch describes a way of thinking or acting that is characterized by the adherence to a specific set of beliefs or doctrines without allowing for questioning, doubt, or criticism.

1. In a general context: It refers to someone who asserts their opinions as if they were established, indisputable facts, often refusing to consider alternative viewpoints. It carries a negative connotation of being narrow-minded or arrogant.
2. In a religious or philosophical context: It relates to "dogma"—a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority (such as a church or a school of thought) as incontrovertibly true. In this sense, it describes adherence to a fixed doctrine.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is an adjective that can be used predicatively (e.g., "Er ist dogmatisch") or attributively (e.g., "eine dogmatische Haltung").
• Word origin: The word is derived from the Greek dogmatikos, which comes from dogma (meaning "opinion," "tenet," or "decree"). It entered the German language via the Latin dogmaticus.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

• doktrinär ↗ (doctrinaire)
• unbeirrbar ↗ (unwavering)
• starrsinnig ↗ (stubborn/obstinate)
• rechthaberisch ↗ (self-righteous)

Antonyms

• vorurteilsfrei ↗ (unprejudiced)
• aufgeschlossen ↗ (open-minded)
• flexibel ↗ (flexible)
• tolerant ↗ (tolerant)