microaggression
[ mahy-kroh-uh-gresh-uhn ]
/ ˌmaɪ kroʊ əˈgrɛʃ ən /
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noun
a subtle but offensive comment or action directed at a member of a marginalized group, especially a racial minority, that is often unintentionally offensive or unconsciously reinforces a stereotype: microaggressions such as "I don't see you as Black."
the act of discriminating against a marginalized group by means of such comments or actions: The diversity committee discussed the issue of microaggression toward women on campus.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Origin of microaggression
First recorded in 1970; coined by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce (1927–2016); micro- + aggression
Words nearby microaggression
micro, microabscess, microadenoma, microaerophil, microaerophile, microaggression, microammeter, microampere, microanalysis, microanastomosis, microanatomy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021