Bigotry is a word that refers to intolerant attitudes, beliefs or actions towards someone who holds different beliefs or belongs to a different group. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈbɪɡətri/. The first syllable "big" sounds like "bɪɡ" and the second syllable in "bigotry" is pronounced like "ətri" which means it is unstressed. The final letter "y" is pronounced as "i" as in the word "happily". In short, bigotry is pronounced as "BIG-uh-tree".
Bigotry is a noun that refers to the irrational or unfair dislike, ingrained prejudice, or intolerance towards certain individuals or groups based on their race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or other identifying characteristics. It is also characterized by a stubbornly held belief in the superiority of one's own beliefs or values, often accompanied by a disdain or hatred towards people who do not share the same views.
This form of discrimination can manifest itself in various ways, including verbal or physical abuse, marginalization, exclusion, or systemic discrimination within institutions or society at large. Bigotry often stems from a lack of understanding, fear, ignorance, or deep-seated biases that prevent individuals from appreciating diversity and recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings.
A bigot, the person exhibiting bigotry, generally refuses to challenge their own prejudices or engage in rational dialogue that may challenge their preconceived notions. They tend to cling to their narrow-minded perspectives, rejecting any evidence or logical arguments that contradict their beliefs.
The harmful consequences of bigotry are far-reaching and can contribute to the perpetuation of social inequalities, injustice, and violence. Overcoming bigotry requires combating ignorance through education, promoting empathy and respect for others, fostering dialogue between diverse groups, and advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.
Blind zeal in favour of something.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "bigotry" originated in the 16th century and its etymology is traced back to the Old French word "bigot", which meant "sanctimonious person" or "hypocrite". This term then derived from the Old English word "bygod", meaning "by God". In earlier usage, "by God" was an oath or exclamation of religious fervor, but over time, it came to be associated with the negative qualities of intolerance and narrow-mindedness. Eventually, "bigotry" emerged as a noun form to describe the behavior or mindset of someone who is overly prejudiced or intolerant towards those holding different beliefs, opinions, or lifestyles.