Doctrine
That which is taught or set forth for acceptance or belief; that which is held to be true by any person, sect, or school; especially, in religion, a tenet, or body of tenets; belief; dogma. [from Latin,
doctrina teaching <
docere to teach]
Synonyms: article, belief, dogma, precept, principle, teaching, tenet.
Doctrine primarily signifies that which is taught;
principle, the fundamental basis on which the teaching rests. A
doctrine is reasoned out, and may be defended by reasoning; a
dogma rests on authority, as of the decision of the church, etc. A
doctrine or
dogma is a statement of some one item of
belief; a
creed is a summary of
doctrine or
dogmas.
Dogma has commonly the signification of a
belief arrogantly asserted.
Tenet is simply that which is held, and is applied to a single item of
belief.
Excerpted and adapted from:
Britannica World Language Dictionary
Also see: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: doctrine, Doctrine