ideologically
Meaning
In a way that relates to a system of ideas and ideals, especially concerning economic or political theory and policy.
Structure
Usage
The two parties are ideologically opposed on many key issues.
She argued her point ideologically, drawing heavily from classical political theory.
The movement is united more ideologically than by any formal organizational structure.
Etymology
The word "ideologically" is built upon the foundation of "ideology," which entered English from French idéologie in the late 18th century. The French term was itself a modern coinage, combining the Greek elements idea (form, pattern) and -logia (study, discourse), to mean literally "the study of ideas." This original sense evolved to denote a systematic body of concepts, especially about human life or culture. The suffix -ical was added to form the adjective "ideological," meaning "pertaining to such a system." Finally, the adverbial suffix -ly was appended, creating "ideologically" to describe an action performed in a manner consistent with a specific system of ideas.
Analysis
- ideo: From Greek idea (form, pattern, notion). In this word, it functions as the core root meaning "idea" or "form." - log: From Greek -logia (denoting a branch of knowledge or discourse). In this word, it functions as a combining form meaning "study of" or "system of thought." - ically: A compound English adverbial suffix formed from -ic (adjective-forming) + -al (adjective-forming) + -ly (adverb-forming). It functions to convert the adjective "ideological" into an adverb.