a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
"The university's new doctrine on academic integrity was adopted unanimously by the faculty senate."
A belief or tenet, especially about philosophical or theological matters.
"The new religious doctrine sparked a heated debate among scholars regarding its implications for free will."
In plain English: A doctrine is an official belief or rule that a group of people must follow and believe to be true.
"The new religious doctrine required everyone to attend daily prayers."
Usage: Use doctrine to refer specifically to established principles taught by religious groups or political organizations rather than personal opinions. Avoid confusing it with dogma, which implies an unchangeable truth that cannot be questioned within a specific faith system.
The word doctrine comes from the Latin doctrina, which originally meant "teaching" or "instruction." It is derived from the verb docere, meaning "to teach," and is related to the word for a teacher, doctor.