What does dogmatical mean?
Dogmatical is an adjective describing someone who states opinions confidently and rigidly, treating them as indisputable truths rather than debatable claims. A dogmatical speaker dismisses questioning, ignores contrary evidence, and expects agreement rather than discussion. The word also carries an older, more literal sense of pertaining to dogma — fixed doctrines or principles, especially in religion or philosophy. In everyday use, calling someone dogmatical is rarely a compliment; it suggests intellectual arrogance and closed-mindedness. The word traces back through Latin dogmaticus to Greek dogmatikos, from dogma, meaning an opinion or tenet that seems established. Dogmatical is essentially a longer, older variant of the far more common dogmatic, and while it remains listed in dictionaries and appears occasionally in formal or literary prose, modern writers almost always choose the shorter form. Knowing dogmatical is useful chiefly for recognizing it in older texts and for appreciating how English has streamlined many adjectives over time.
Inclined to assert opinions in an arrogant, authoritative manner without admitting doubt or considering other views.
"Her dogmatical insistence on her own method alienated the rest of the committee."
Of, relating to, or consisting of dogma or established doctrine.
"The treatise sets out its dogmatical principles at the very outset."
This doctrinal sense is largely historical and found mainly in theological or philosophical writing.
'Dogmatical' isn't a mistake — it's the original longer form of 'dogmatic', still lurking in dictionaries even though most writers abandoned it centuries ago.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dogmatical
Dogmatical derives from Greek dogmatikos, formed on dogma ('opinion, tenet, decree'), which passed into Latin as dogmaticus before entering English. The adjective appeared in English in the late 16th or early 17th century, alongside the shorter form dogmatic, both ultimately reflecting the same Greek root. Its relatives include dogma, dogmatism, and the verb dogmatize, all sharing the sense of asserted doctrine or opinion.
How dogmatical is actually used
Somewhat formal and now rather dated; 'dogmatic' is strongly preferred in contemporary writing. When used, it often carries a mildly critical or ironic connotation.
Easily confused with dogmatical
'Dogmatical' means the same thing but is an older, now less common variant of the standard modern form 'dogmatic'.