Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- a person who tries to apply some doctrine or theory without sufficient regard for practical considerations; an impractical theorist.
adjective
- dogmatic about others’ acceptance of one’s ideas; fanatical: a doctrinaire preacher.
- merely theoretical; impractical.
- of, relating to, or characteristic of a doctrinaire.
adjective
- stubbornly insistent on the observation of the niceties of a theory, esp without regard to practicality, suitability, etc
- theoretical; impractical
noun
- a person who stubbornly attempts to apply a theory without regard to practical difficulties
1820, from French doctrinaire “impractical person,” originally “adherent of doctrines” (14c.), from Latin doctrina (see doctrine).
At first used in the context of French politics, contemptuously applied by rival factions to those who tried to reconcile liberty with royal authority after 1815. Hence, anyone who applies doctrine without making allowance for practical considerations (1831). As an adjective, from 1834.