doctrinaire
UK: ˌdɒktrɪˈneə | US: ˌdɑːktrɪˈner
adj. rigidly devoted to theories or doctrines without regard for practicality
n. a person who dogmatically applies theories in a impractical way
The word "doctrinaire" originates from French, combining "doctrine" (from Latin doctrina, meaning "teaching") with the suffix "-aire," which denotes a person associated with something. Initially used in early 19th-century politics to describe theorists who rigidly adhered to abstract principles, it evolved to criticize impractical idealism. The morphemes reflect a fusion of theoretical rigidity ("doctrine") and personal identity ("-aire").
His doctrinaire approach to economics ignored real-world complexities.
The party rejected the doctrinaire proposals as unrealistic.
She was criticized for being a doctrinaire rather than a pragmatic leader.
Doctrinaire policies often fail when applied to dynamic societies.
The debate exposed the limits of his doctrinaire worldview.