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doctrina

dohk-TREE-nah/dokˈtɾina/

“doctrina” means “doctrine” in Spanish (a set of beliefs or principles).

doctrine

Also: teachings, precedent
NounfB2formal
Spain/Latin America
A wise teacher sitting under a large leafy tree, sharing a scroll with a group of attentive students in a peaceful garden.

📝 In Action

La doctrina cristiana se enseña en esta escuela.

A2

Christian doctrine is taught in this school.

El gobierno anunció una nueva doctrina económica.

B1

The government announced a new economic doctrine.

Este fallo judicial ayuda a sentar doctrina en el país.

C1

This court ruling helps to set a legal precedent in the country.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • enseñanza (teaching)
  • credo (creed)
  • dogma (dogma)

Antonyms

  • escepticismo (skepticism)
  • heterodoxia (unorthodox views)

Common Collocations

  • doctrina política – political doctrine
  • doctrina militar – military doctrine
  • doctrina jurídica – legal doctrine

Idioms & Expressions

  • sentar doctrina – to establish a clear precedent or standard rule that others should follow

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "doctrina" in Spanish:

doctrine→precedent→teachings→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: doctrina

Question 1 of 3

Which of the following is the best translation for 'doctrina política'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
adoctrinar(to brainwash or indoctrinate) — Verb
doctrinario(doctrinal) — Adjective
docto(learned or scholarly) — Adjective
doctor(doctor) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'doctrina', which means 'instruction' or 'knowledge'. It comes from 'docere', the Latin verb meaning 'to teach'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: doctrineFrench: doctrineItalian: dottrina

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'doctrina' only used for religion?

No. While it is very common in religion, it is also used for political theories, military strategies, and legal principles.

What is the difference between 'doctrina' and 'dogma'?

A 'doctrina' is a general set of teachings, while a 'dogma' is a specific point of belief that is considered absolutely true and cannot be questioned.

Does 'adoctrinar' have a negative meaning?

Often, yes. While it literally means 'to teach a doctrine,' it is frequently used to describe brainwashing or teaching someone to follow a set of beliefs without thinking for themselves.