Eurocentric: meaning, definitions and examples

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Eurocentric

 

[ jʊərəʊˈsɛntrɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

view or attitude

Focusing on European culture, history, or values as superior to others; centered around Europe and Europeans.

Synonyms

Eurocentricity, Eurocentrism, Eurocentrist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
Eurocentric

Utilized to describe attitudes, perspectives, or practices that prioritize European culture, values, or viewpoints, often to the detriment of other cultures. This term often carries a negative connotation due to its implication of bias and exclusion.

  • Her Eurocentric viewpoint made it difficult for her to appreciate the diverse cultures of Asia and Africa
Eurocentrist

Used to describe someone who holds or promotes Eurocentric views. This term can carry a negative connotation and is often used critically.

  • He's been labeled a Eurocentrist due to his dismissive remarks about non-European art and literature
Eurocentrism

A term often found in socio-political and cultural critiques, it refers to the broad practice or ideology of viewing the world from a European-centered perspective. Like 'Eurocentric', it usually carries a negative implication.

  • Eurocentrism in history education often marginalizes the achievements of other civilizations
Eurocentricity

Refers to the quality or state of being Eurocentric. This term is often used in academic discussions to critique an overemphasis on European history and culture.

  • The professor discussed the Eurocentricity of the textbook, noting that it overlooked significant contributions from non-European societies

Examples of usage

  • Eurocentric perspectives dominated the study of world history for centuries.
  • Her Eurocentric worldview prevented her from appreciating the beauty of other cultures.
Context #2 | Noun

bias

A person who holds the belief that European culture and values are superior to others; a bias in favor of European perspectives.

Synonyms

Eurocentricity, Eurocentrism, Eurocentrist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
Eurocentric

Used to describe a mindset or approach that prioritizes or focuses on European culture and history, often to the exclusion of others. This word can have a negative connotation when implying bias or a lack of inclusivity.

  • The curriculum was criticized for being too Eurocentric, as it largely ignored contributions from non-European civilizations
Eurocentrist

Describes a person who holds or advocates for Eurocentric views. It also tends to have a negative connotation, suggesting that the individual's perspectives are narrowly focused or biased toward European culture.

  • She was labeled a Eurocentrist for her insistence that European art forms were inherently superior to those from other cultures
Eurocentrism

Refers to the practice or attitude of viewing the world from a European perspective, often with an implicit belief in the superiority of European culture. This term usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting ethnocentric bias.

  • Eurocentrism in historical studies often leads to a distorted view of world events, overlooking significant achievements from other cultures
Eurocentricity

This term is similar to 'Eurocentrism' and is used to describe the state or condition of being Eurocentric. It is often used in academic or critical discussions to point out biases in perspectives or systems.

  • Academics are increasingly challenging the Eurocentricity of traditional literature anthologies that exclude diverse voices

Examples of usage

  • The Eurocentric in the group dismissed the contributions of non-European civilizations.
  • Her Eurocentric beliefs made her intolerant towards diversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "Eurocentric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eurocêntrico

🇮🇳 यूरोकेंद्रित

🇩🇪 eurozentrisch

🇮🇩 eurocentris

🇺🇦 євроцентристський

🇵🇱 eurocentryczny

🇯🇵 ヨーロッパ中心主義の

🇫🇷 eurocentrique

🇪🇸 eurocéntrico

🇹🇷 Avrupa merkezli

🇰🇷 유럽 중심의

🇸🇦 المركزي الأوروبي

🇨🇿 eurocentrický

🇸🇰 eurocentrický

🇨🇳 欧洲中心论的

🇸🇮 evrocentričen

🇮🇸 evrópskmiðað

🇰🇿 еуроцентристік

🇬🇪 ევროცენტრისტული

🇦🇿 avrosentrik

🇲🇽 eurocéntrico

Etymology

The term Eurocentric originated in the mid-20th century as a critique of the dominance of European perspectives in various fields such as history, literature, and art. It reflects a broader discussion of cultural biases and the need for a more inclusive and diverse approach to understanding the world.

See also: Eurocentricity.