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Synonyms

bigotry

American  
[big-uh-tree] / ˈbɪg ə tri /

noun

plural

bigotries
  1. stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own.

    Synonyms:
    discrimination, bias, narrow-mindedness
  2. the actions, beliefs, prejudices, etc., of a bigot.


bigotry British  
/ ˈbɪɡətrɪ /

noun

  1. the attitudes, behaviour, or way of thinking of a bigot; prejudice; intolerance

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bigotry

First recorded in 1665–75; bigot + -ry, formation parallel to French bigoterie

Explanation

If a person is intolerant of other ideas, races, or religions, we call that person a bigot. The intolerance expressed by that bigot is called bigotry. Bigotry is ugly. There are different types of bigotry — like religious bigotry or racist bigotry. Although bigotry can mean any form of intolerance or prejudice, when the word is used alone, it is most often understood to mean racial bigotry. The bigotry behind Jim Crow laws that separated races in the 1950s seems unbelievable to most modern teenagers.

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Vocabulary lists containing bigotry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bigotry is less upsetting to people when it's abstract.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2023

One of Mr. Lee’s editorials, from 1968, started with this: “Let’s lay it right on the line. Bigotry and racism are among the deadliest social ills plaguing the world today.”

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2023

Bigotry is an obstacle that can be overcome.

From Washington Post • Feb. 22, 2023

“I’ll help; Nazis are bad. Bigotry is bad. ‘I am married to a racist; and this is beyond wrong,'” he said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 10, 2022

Bigotry, by not inquiring, does not establish truth.

From Ancient Faiths And Modern A Dissertation upon Worships, Legends and Divinities by Inman, Thomas