Etymologically
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doctrina

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 15:23. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [dɔkˈtriː.na][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [dokˈtriː.na][1]

Forms

doctrīna f (genitive doctrīnae); first declension[1]

Etymology

It is from doceō “to teach”, through doctor “teacher”, with the suffix ⟨-īna⟩.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citation is from Plautus, of teaching.[2] Köbler's first source is Cicero; he dates Plautus c. 250–184 BC.[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant teaching, instruction, as in Plautus, and in Cicero what is taught, with studium doctrīnae learned study.[2] In Pliny the Elder it meant a sect, and in Cicero learning and a branch of learning.[2] Döderlein explains that doctrīna is learning as a kind of training of the mind, ērudītiō its learned result.[5]

In Christian Latin it meant religious teaching, doctrine, wisdom.[6][7] British Medieval Latin used it for teaching and for Christian doctrine.[8] It survives in Italian dottrina and Spanish doctrina, and through Old French it gave English doctrine in the late 14th century.[1][3]

Timeline

  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of teaching.[2][4]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of learning.[2][4]
  • late 14th century – English doctrine is recorded.[3]

Meanings

Noun

  1. Teaching, instruction.[2]
  2. What is taught, studium doctrīnae, learned study.[2]
  3. A sect.[2]
  4. Learning; a branch of learning.[2]
  5. (Ecclesiastical Latin) Religious doctrine.[6]

Word family

  • doctrīnālis

Usage notes

Döderlein distinguishes it from ērudītiō.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  5. ^ a b Döderlein, Ludwig (1874), Döderlein’s Hand-book of Latin Synonymes, tr. H. H. Arnold, Andover: W. F. Draper
  6. ^ a b Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill
  7. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  8. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press