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Bigotry: meaning, definitions and examples

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bigotry

 

[ˈbɪɡətri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

prejudiced attitude

Bigotry refers to the intolerance or prejudice towards those who hold different opinions, beliefs, or backgrounds. It often involves being closed-minded and unwilling to consider other perspectives.

Synonyms

discrimination, intolerance, prejudice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bigotry

This term is used to describe strong and unfair dislike or hatred towards someone because of their race, religion, or other characteristics.

  • His bigotry made it impossible for him to accept anyone who was different from him
intolerance

This word describes an unwillingness to accept or respect differences in opinions, behaviors, or people. Often, it has a negative tone.

  • Intolerance towards different political views can divide communities
prejudice

This term refers to preconceived opinions or feelings, often unfavorable, that are formed without proper knowledge or reason.

  • Prejudice against certain ethnic groups has no place in a fair and just society
discrimination

Use this word when talking about the unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, age, or gender.

  • Discrimination in the workplace is illegal and can lead to serious consequences for employers

Examples of usage

  • His bigotry prevented him from accepting the diversity of opinions in the group.
  • Her bigotry towards people of different races was evident in her discriminatory behavior.
Context #2 | Noun

religious intolerance

Bigotry can also specifically refer to intolerance or prejudice based on religious beliefs. It involves a strong, unreasonable attachment to one's own beliefs, often accompanied by hostility towards those of differing beliefs.

Synonyms

dogmatism, religious intolerance, sectarianism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bigotry

Bigotry refers to strong and unfair dislike or hatred towards individuals or groups, often based on race, religion, or other characteristics. It carries a strong negative connotation.

  • Her speech was filled with bigotry against immigrants.
  • Bigotry has no place in a modern and inclusive society.
religious intolerance

Religious intolerance specifically refers to the lack of acceptance or hostility towards different religious beliefs and practices. It is often associated with conflict and discrimination based on religion.

  • The government's policies have led to growing religious intolerance in the region.
  • Religious intolerance has been a source of numerous historical conflicts.
sectarianism

Sectarianism involves conflict, discrimination, or hatred stemming from perceived differences between subdivisions within a larger group, particularly religious denominations. It often implies a more narrow and factional division than religious intolerance.

  • The violence in the country is largely driven by deep-seated sectarianism.
  • Efforts to promote peace must address the root causes of sectarianism.
dogmatism

Dogmatism signifies an unwavering assertion of one's beliefs as undeniably true, often without room for discussion or consideration of alternative views. It is typically used to describe a stubborn or arrogant adherence to one's opinions.

  • His dogmatism on the subject made it impossible to have a productive discussion.
  • Dogmatism in science can hinder the progress of new ideas and research.

Examples of usage

  • The history of mankind is marked by numerous conflicts fueled by bigotry and religious intolerance.
  • Her bigotry towards followers of a different faith led to tension within the community.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word has roots in the mid-18th century, derived from the French word 'bigot', originally meaning a 'hypocrite'.
  • In earlier usage, it often referred to someone's blind enthusiasm for their own religion or beliefs.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, instances of bigotry have been prominent in many societies, often leading to discrimination or violence against targeted groups.
  • The civil rights movement in the 1960s challenged widespread bigotry in the United States, advocating for equality across racial lines.

Psychology

  • Research shows that bigotry often stems from fear or misunderstanding of those who are different, leading to a narrow-minded view.
  • Cognitive biases, such as in-group favoritism, can reinforce bigotry by promoting connections only with those who share similar traits.

Literature

  • Many literary works, like Harper Lee’s 'To Kill a Mockingbird', explore themes of bigotry and moral courage through the lives of their characters.
  • George Orwell's '1984' reflects on how oppressive regimes may use bigotry as a tool to divide and control the populace.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Boys Don't Cry' and 'Philadelphia' shine a light on the destructive impact of bigotry on individuals and communities.
  • Music genres, especially punk and hip-hop, often confront bigotry and advocate for social justice through powerful lyrics and messages.

Translations

Translations of the word "bigotry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intolerância

🇮🇳 कट्टरता (kattarata)

🇩🇪 Bigotterie

🇮🇩 bigotri

🇺🇦 нетерпимість

🇵🇱 bigoteria

🇯🇵 偏狭 (henkyō)

🇫🇷 bigoterie

🇪🇸 intolerancia

🇹🇷 bağnazlık

🇰🇷 편협함 (pyeonhyeopham)

🇸🇦 تعصب (ta'assub)

🇨🇿 bigotnost

🇸🇰 bigotnosť

🇨🇳 偏执 (piānzhí)

🇸🇮 bigotnost

🇮🇸 ofstæki

🇰🇿 фанатизм

🇬🇪 ფანატიზმი (panatizmi)

🇦🇿 mövhumatçılıq

🇲🇽 intolerancia

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,278, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.