Dogma

Dogma Dog"ma (d[o^]g"m[.a]), n.; pl. E. {Dogmas} (d[o^]g"m[.a]z), L. {Dogmata} (d[o^]g"m[.a]*t[.a]). [L. dogma, Gr. do`gma, pl. do`gmata, fr. dokei^n to think, seem, appear; akin to L. decet it is becoming. Cf. {Decent}.] 1. That which is held as an opinion; a tenet; a doctrine. [1913 Webster]

The obscure and loose dogmas of early antiquity. -- Whewell. [1913 Webster]

2. A formally stated and authoritatively settled doctrine; a definite, established, and authoritative tenet. [1913 Webster]

3. A doctrinal notion asserted without regard to evidence or truth; an arbitrary dictum.

Syn: tenet; opinion; proposition; doctrine.

Usage: -- {Dogma}, {Tenet}. A tenet is that which is maintained as true with great firmness; as, the tenets of our holy religion. A dogma is that which is laid down with authority as indubitably true, especially a religious doctrine; as, the dogmas of the church. A tenet rests on its own intrinsic merits or demerits; a dogma rests on authority regarded as competent to decide and determine. Dogma has in our language acquired, to some extent, a repulsive sense, from its carrying with it the idea of undue authority or assumption. This is more fully the case with its derivatives dogmatical and dogmatism. [1913 Webster]