-
Kevin
-
January 18, 2023
-
Common Questions
Your writing, at its best
Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant
Some folks have the ability to set their emotions to the side and make clear, calm decisions — even when stress is at an all-time high. Rather than getting caught up in big-picture ideals or feeling overwhelmed by a crisis, they manage to face the issue practically.
For those who don’t crumble under pressure, this practical nature makes them pragmatic. That said, does pragmatic mean the same thing as dogmatic? What exactly does dogmatic mean?
You have questions, and we have answers. Read on to discover all there is to know about the word dogmatic.
What Is the Definition of Dogmatic?
/dɔgmætɪk/ /dɔgˈmæt ɪk/ /dɔɡˈmætɪk/
If we turn to the Collins Unabridged English Dictionary — or any of the trusted English Dictionaries, for that matter — we see that the adjective dogmatic can have a few slightly varying meanings. So to help us get to the bottom of the meaning behind dogmatic, you will find a list of the definitions for our word of the day below:
- Asserted a priori; without proof
- Doctrinal; like or of dogma — as in dogmatic writings or dogmatic theology
- Insisting upon or asserting principles or ideas, often in an arrogant manner and most commonly when unexamined and unproven
In short, the definition of dogmatic is to strongly state unsupported beliefs or opinions as though they are absolute and/or proven without a shadow of a doubt.
What Is the Etymology of Dogmatic?
First noted in the 1680s, the adjective dogmatic is a derivative of both the Greek dogmatikos, as well as the Late Latin dogmaticus.
What Are the Synonyms and Antonyms of Dogmatic?
To better your overall understanding of the word dogmatic, you may find it especially helpful to review its synonyms and antonyms.
In case you need a quick refresher from grade school, synonyms are words that have the same — or almost the same — meaning as another word, whereas an antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word.
The Synonyms of Dogmatic
Below are some of the most common synonyms of dogmatic.
- Doctrinaire
- Opinionated
- Pontifical
- Inflexible
- Opinionative
- Opinioned
- Adamant
- Uncompromising
- Prejudiced
- Rigid
- Bigoted
- Cocksure
- Emphatic
- Obdurate
- On faith
- Obstinate
- Beyond question
- Pigheaded
- Unyielding
- To be inferred
- Stubborn
- Insistent
- Fanatical
- Strict
- Self-evident
- Narrow
- Categorical
- Downright
- Entrenched
- Unbending
- Unchallengeable
- Unquestionable
- Intransigent
- Bullheaded
- Confident
- To be expected
- Definite
- Hard to satisfy
- Determined
- Fixed
- Based on theory
- Tenacious
- Unequivocal
- Self-opinionated
- Narrow-minded
- Small-minded
- One-sided
- Stiff-necked
- Wrong-headed
- Myopic
- Lilliputian
- Localist
- Over-strict
- Diehard
- Reactionary
- Not in doubt
- Not disputed
- Not in question
- Little
- Entrenched
- Pigheaded
- Partisan
- Blimpish
- Jerkwater
- Claustral
- Prim
- Puritanical
- Fault finding
- Stuffy
- Prudish
- Starchy
- Moralistic
- Dogmatist
- Priggish
- Prissy
- Shockable
- Unenlarged
- Inward-looking
- Small-town
- Close-minded
- Dictatorial
- Short-sighted
- Dyed-in-the-wool
- Strait-laced
- Parish-pump
- Ultra-conservative
- Tyrannic
- Parti pris
- Draconian
- Nitpicky
- Hair splitting
- Closed-minded
The Antonyms of Dogmatic
Below are some of the most common antonyms of dogmatic.
- Latitudinarian
- Undoctrinaire
- Undogmatic
- Low-key
- Open-minded
- Tentative
- Ambiguous
- Amenable
- Doubtful
- Doubting
- Dubious
- Equivocal
- Flexible
- Fluctuating
- Impartial
- Indecisive
- Indefinite
- Manageable
- Obedient
- Questioning
- Skeptical
- Submissive
- Uncertain
- Vacillating
- Vague
- Willing
- Yielding
- Not positive
- Restrained
- Understated
- Muted
- Laid back
- Subdued
- Quiet
- Inconspicuous
- Unostentatious
- Unglamorous
- Modest
- Free and easy
- Sober
- Unpretentious
- Subtle
- Unobtrusive
- Minimalist
- Broad minded
- Irreligious
- Unspectacular
- Nonderivable
- Unflashy
- Nonsectarian
- Circumspect
- Muffled
- Downbeat
- Free thinking
- Unfussy
- Discreet
- Softened
- Politically incorrect
- Relaxed
- Unassuming
- Modulated
- Laissez-faire
- Low-profile
- Low-keyed
- Played-down
- Easy-going
- Self-effacing
- Liberal
- Moderate
How Can You Use Dogmatic in a Sentence?
Our word of the day can be a little tricky to use in a sentence. Not to worry, though — we put together a few excellent sentence examples for you to review below:
“You know that was not a dogmatic statement — correct? It honestly looks as though it was a prudential judgment on the Pope’s behalf.”
“Because Kelly refused to listen to others, everyone considered her to be too dogmatic.”
“Quite frankly, both sides of the party have provided there — evidence — in the form of such dogmatic assertions, it is really hard to take either one seriously.”
“Karen was a very dogmatic person who was quick to argue with anyone who challenged her beliefs and opinions.”
“You may believe I am being dogmatic about this, but honestly, I am certain I’m correct on the matter — so you will just have to check again.”
“You know the boss really likes to say he is this super open-minded fellah, but at the end of the day, he always needs to get the last word and is really dogmatic.”
“Every single time my little brother has a few too many adult beverages, he really becomes dogmatic about his feelings on aliens, as well as dinosaurs — oddly enough.”
“If you’re learning English, you may find the dogmatic definition a bit confusing, but don’t worry — we’re here to help!”
“How can she continue to remain dogmatic about this? Every single one of her employees has brought undeniable proof, yet here we are in a bind yet again due to her beliefs.”
“Becky was very dogmatic in giving her opinions.”
“If you ask me, a dogmatic approach is not always the best approach.”
What Are the Translations of Dogmatic?
Now that you are better acquainted with the meaning of dogmatic, let’s learn how to say it in a different language. Below, you’ll find some common translations of dogmatic:
- Afrikaans — dogmaties
- Arabic — العقائدي
- Bulgarian — Догматични
- Chinese (simplified) — 教条
- Croatian — dogmatski
- Czech — dogmatický
- Danish — dogmatisk
- Dutch — dogmatisch
- Finnish — dogmaattinen
- British English — dogmatic
- French — dogmatique
- German — dogmatisch
- Greek — δογματικός
- Italian — dogmatico
- Japanese — ドグマチック
- Korean — 독단적인
- Norwegian — dogmatisk
- Polish — dogmatyczny
- American English — dogmatic
- Portuguese — dogmático
- Russian — догматический
- Spanish — dogmático
- Swedish — dogmatisk
- Thai — ดันทุรัง
- Turkish — dogmatik
- Ukrainian — догматичний
- Vietnamese — sách vở
Summary
To recap, to be dogmatic is to simply follow a set of rules no matter what, to never waiver in your beliefs no matter the evidence brought forth.
These rules can be philosophical, religious, or even made up, and more often than not, a dogmatic person can come across as quite arrogant or opinionated.
Sources:
Dogmatic definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
Entrench Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster
laissez-faire | Definition, Economics, Government, Policy, History, & Facts | Britannica
