bigotry 🔊
Meaning of bigotry
Intolerance or prejudice toward those who are different, especially concerning race, religion, or opinions.
Key Difference
Bigotry specifically refers to obstinate, irrational intolerance, often rooted in hatred or ignorance, unlike general prejudice or bias.
Example of bigotry
- His refusal to listen to opposing viewpoints revealed a deep-seated bigotry.
- The politician's speech was criticized for promoting bigotry against minority communities.
Synonyms
prejudice 🔊
Meaning of prejudice
Preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience.
Key Difference
Prejudice is a broader term and can be unconscious, while bigotry is more aggressive and deliberate.
Example of prejudice
- Her prejudice against unfamiliar cultures made her reluctant to travel.
- The hiring manager was accused of prejudice when favoring candidates from a specific background.
intolerance 🔊
Meaning of intolerance
Unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.
Key Difference
Intolerance can be passive, whereas bigotry is an active, often vocal form of intolerance.
Example of intolerance
- Religious intolerance has led to conflicts throughout history.
- His intolerance for differing political opinions made debates with him exhausting.
discrimination 🔊
Meaning of discrimination
Unjust treatment of different groups based on race, age, gender, etc.
Key Difference
Discrimination is the action resulting from prejudice or bigotry, whereas bigotry is the mindset.
Example of discrimination
- Workplace discrimination based on gender is illegal but still persists.
- The new law aimed to reduce discrimination against people with disabilities.
racism 🔊
Meaning of racism
Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race.
Key Difference
Racism is race-specific, while bigotry can target any group (religion, gender, etc.).
Example of racism
- Systemic racism continues to affect marginalized communities.
- His racist remarks exposed his deep-seated hatred for people of other ethnicities.
xenophobia 🔊
Meaning of xenophobia
Dislike or prejudice against people from other countries.
Key Difference
Xenophobia is specifically about foreignness, while bigotry is broader in scope.
Example of xenophobia
- The rise in xenophobia has led to stricter immigration policies.
- Xenophobic attitudes made it difficult for refugees to integrate into society.
bias 🔊
Meaning of bias
Inclination or prejudice for or against something or someone.
Key Difference
Bias can be subtle or unconscious, while bigotry is overt and extreme.
Example of bias
- Media bias can shape public opinion in misleading ways.
- The judge was accused of bias due to his personal connections to the defendant.
chauvinism 🔊
Meaning of chauvinism
Excessive or aggressive patriotism or belief in superiority, especially regarding gender.
Key Difference
Chauvinism often relates to nationalism or sexism, while bigotry is more generalized.
Example of chauvinism
- Male chauvinism in the workplace undermines gender equality.
- His national chauvinism blinded him to the benefits of international cooperation.
sectarianism 🔊
Meaning of sectarianism
Rigid adherence to a particular sect, party, or ideology.
Key Difference
Sectarianism is often tied to religious or political factions, while bigotry is more broadly applied.
Example of sectarianism
- Sectarianism has fueled violence between different religious groups.
- The country's history is marred by sectarian conflicts.
fanaticism 🔊
Meaning of fanaticism
Extreme, uncritical zeal or enthusiasm, particularly for a religion or cause.
Key Difference
Fanaticism is extreme devotion, while bigotry is extreme intolerance.
Example of fanaticism
- Religious fanaticism has led to violent extremism in some regions.
- His fanaticism for the political movement made him dismiss all opposing views.
Conclusion
- Bigotry is a deep-rooted intolerance often fueled by ignorance or hatred, making it more extreme than general prejudice.
- Prejudice can be unconscious and subtle, making it less aggressive than bigotry.
- Intolerance may not always be vocal, whereas bigotry is often expressed openly.
- Discrimination is the action that stems from prejudiced or bigoted beliefs.
- Racism is a specific form of bigotry targeting race, while bigotry can apply to any group.
- Xenophobia focuses on fear of foreigners, whereas bigotry is broader in its targets.
- Bias can be unintentional, unlike bigotry, which is deliberate.
- Chauvinism often relates to nationalism or sexism, while bigotry is more generalized.
- Sectarianism is tied to factions, whereas bigotry is not limited to group divisions.
- Fanaticism is about extreme devotion, while bigotry is about extreme intolerance.