ideologically
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌaɪdɪəlˈɒdʒɪkli/
US
- /ˌaɪdiəˈlɑdʒɪkli/
Description
- based on beliefs
- from a belief system
- in a political or social way
- according to principles
"Ideologically" describes something done, shaped, or understood through a set of beliefs, especially in politics or society. Think of it this way: if two people disagree not only about what should happen, but about the basic ideas behind it, they are divided ideologically. It suggests more than taste or habit. It points to deeper principles. You might say a political party is "ideologically driven," meaning its policies come from a clear belief system. You might also say two groups are "ideologically opposed," meaning they differ at a basic level in how they see the world. The word often appears in discussions of politics, public debate, and social movements.
The word "ideologically" relates to ideology, a system of ideas and beliefs, especially one that shapes political or social thought. If something happens "ideologically," it happens because of those beliefs or is explained through them. For example, if a decision is "ideologically motivated," it is guided more by principle or doctrine than by convenience, profit, or simple practicality.
The word often appears when people want to show that beliefs are operating beneath the surface. A debate about taxes, education, religion, art, or law can become "ideologically charged" when it is no longer just about one policy or event, but about larger ideas of justice, freedom, tradition, equality, or the role of government. In that sense, the word helps explain why people take a certain position, not just which position they take.
It also often suggests firmness. When someone speaks or acts ideologically, there is usually a strong attachment to a guiding set of ideas, sometimes with little room for compromise. That does not automatically mean the person is wrong. It simply means the belief system matters a great deal in shaping the action or argument. You may hear this in phrases like "ideologically opposed," "ideologically driven," or "ideologically neutral," each showing how strongly beliefs influence a person, group, policy, or piece of art.
"Ideologically" is used most often in political and social contexts, but it can also apply more broadly to any situation shaped by a clear belief system. A film, school, movement, newspaper, or leader can all be described this way if their choices reflect a deeper set of principles. In short, the word means that beliefs are not just present in the background; they are actively shaping the way something is thought about, presented, or carried out.
Examples
- 1
Election
The two candidates are very different ideologically, even though they support some of the same policies.
- 2
Political alignment
She felt closer ideologically to the environmental group than to her own party.
- 3
Movement loyalty
Many of the volunteers were deeply committed ideologically, not just personally loyal to the leader.
- 4
Policy criticism
Critics argued that the proposal was driven ideologically rather than by evidence.
Pattern
driven by X rather than by Y
mainly influenced by X, not Y
- 5
Legal impartiality
Judges are expected to apply the law independently, not ideologically.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ideologicallyadverb