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Bigotry: Meaning, Usage, and Impact in Society

    What is “Bigotry”?

    Pronunciation: /ˈbɪɡətri/
    Part of Speech: Noun


    Definition:

    Bigotry is an intolerant and unfair attitude toward people who are different in race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or opinions. A bigot refuses to accept other viewpoints or ways of life.


    Simple Meaning:

    Bigotry means hating or judging people unfairly because they are different from you.


    Grammatical Formation:

    • Noun: bigotry
      • Example: Religious bigotry is still a problem in many places.
    • Adjective form: bigoted
      • Example: She expressed bigoted views about immigrants.
    • Person noun: bigot
      • Example: A bigot won’t listen to reason.

    Synonyms:

    intolerance, prejudice, bias, narrow-mindedness, discrimination

    Antonyms:

    tolerance, acceptance, open-mindedness, inclusivity, impartiality

    Related Terms:

    discrimination, hate speech, xenophobia, racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, religious intolerance


    Common Collocations:

    • racial bigotry
    • religious bigotry
    • bigotry against minorities
    • fight bigotry
    • deep-rooted bigotry
    • political bigotry
    • challenge bigotry

    Sample Sentences:

    1. Bigotry has no place in a respectful society.
    2. The law was created to protect people from religious bigotry.
    3. He was accused of racial bigotry after making offensive comments.
    4. Fighting bigotry requires education and empathy.
    5. Bigoted attitudes often come from fear or ignorance.

    Idioms & Expressions with Similar Meaning:

    • “Stuck in their ways” – unwilling to change old, often prejudiced views.
    • “Wearing blinders” – ignoring other perspectives or realities.
    • “Judge a book by its cover” – make unfair assumptions based on appearances.

    Does “Bigotry” Have Any Relationship to Sexuality?

    Yes.
    Bigotry can include intolerance toward someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. For example:

    • Homophobia (hatred toward gay people)
    • Transphobia (prejudice against transgender people)
    • These are forms of bigotry, just like racism or religious intolerance.

    So, bigotry and sexuality are often related, especially in discussions about LGBTQ+ rights, discrimination, and social equality.


    In Summary:

    Bigotry is a deep and unreasonable intolerance toward others based on differences. It can relate to race, religion, nationality, gender, or sexuality. Understanding and recognizing bigotry is important for building a more inclusive, respectful society.