dogmatical

Dogmatical is an adjective meaning relating to dogma or characterized by an authoritative, uncritical assertion of opinions as if they were incontrovertible truths. The term can describe a person, a stance, or an approach that treats certain beliefs as unquestionable and resists scrutiny or evidence that might challenge them.

Etymology and usage notes: Dogmatical derives from Latin dogmaticus and Greek dogmatikos, from dogma. In modern English, dogmatical is less common than dogmatic and is sometimes perceived as more formal or archaic. While dogmatic emphasizes the nature of the beliefs as asserted, dogmatical more explicitly links those beliefs to dogma itself or to doctrinaire attitudes.

Contexts and connotations: The word is often used in religious, philosophical, political, or intellectual critique to signal rigidity and an unwillingness to revise views. It can describe a person who dictates beliefs to others, a doctrinal stance, or arguments that appeal to authority rather than evidence. The tone is typically negative or pejorative.

Related terms and contrasts: Related terms include dogmatic, doctrinaire, rigid, and inflexible. Antonyms include open-minded, flexible, and skeptical. In practice, dogmatic and dogmatical are sometimes used interchangeably, but dogmatic is the more common descriptor for beliefs or assertions, while dogmatical explicitly ties those beliefs to dogma.

See also: dogma, dogmatism. Notes: The word’s emphasis on dogma makes it a precise but sometimes old-fashioned choice in contemporary writing.