is a neutral word, neither
approving nor condemning; we speak of the _doctrines_ of our own church;
of the _tenets_ of others. A _precept_ relates not to _belief_, but to
conduct. Compare FAITH; LAW.

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DOGMATIC.

Synonyms:

arrogant, doctrinal, magisterial, positive,
authoritative, domineering, opinionated, self-opinionated,
dictatorial, imperious, overbearing, systematic.

_Dogmatic_ is technically applied in a good sense to that which is
formally enunciated by adequate authority; _doctrinal_ to that which is
stated in the form of doctrine to be taught or defended. _Dogmatic_
theology, called also "dogmatics," gives definite propositions, which it
holds to be delivered by authority; _systematic_ theology considers the
same propositions in their logical connection and order as parts of a
system; a _doctrinal_ statement is less absolute in its claims than a
_dogmatic_ treatise, and may be more partial than the term _systematic_
would imply. Outside of theology, _dogmatic_ has generally an offensive
sense; a _dogmatic_ statement is one for which the author does not
trouble himself to give a reason, either because of the strength of his
convictions, or because of his contempt for those whom he addresses;
thus _dogmatic_ is, in common use, allied with _arrogant_ and kindred
words.

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DOUBT, _v._

Synonyms:

distrust, mistrust, surmise, suspect.

To _doubt_ is to lack conviction. Incompleteness of evidence may compel
one to _doubt_, or some perverse bias of mind may incline him to.
_Distrust_ may express simply a lack of confidence; as, I _distrust_ my
own judgment; or it may be nearly equivalent to _suspect_; as, I
_distrusted_ that man from the start. _Mistrust_ and _suspect_ imply
that one is almost assured of positive evil; one may _distrust_ himself
or others; he _suspects_ others. _Mistrust_ is now rarely, if ever, used
of persons, but only of motives, intentions, etc. _Distrust_ is always
serious; _mistrust_ is often used playfully. Compare SUPPOSE. Compare
synonyms for DOUBT, _n._

Antonyms:

believe, depend on, depend upon, rely on, rely upon, trust.
confide in,

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DOUBT, _n._

Synonyms:

disbelief, incredulity, perplexity, suspense,
distrust, indecision, question, suspicion,
hesitancy, irresolution, scruple