TRIBALISTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Tribalistic is an adjective that refers to the characteristics, actions, or beliefs associated with tribalism. Tribalism can be defined as a strong sense of loyalty, attachment, or identification with a particular social or ethnic group, often to the detriment of fostering unity among different groups or communities.
In a modern context, tribalistic behavior is often observed when individuals or groups prioritize their loyalty and interests towards their own tribe or social group, showing bias or prejudice against others who do not belong to their group. This can manifest in various ways, such as favoring members of one's own group over others, promoting exclusivity, or engaging in discriminatory practices.
Tribalistic tendencies can have negative effects on social cohesion, fostering division and animosity among different communities. It can hinder the development of inclusive societies that promote diversity, respect, and cooperation among various ethnic, cultural, or social groups.
Tribalistic behaviors may also extend beyond ethnic or social groups to encompass other spheres, such as politics, sports, or even within organizations. In these contexts, individuals may display an intense and unwavering loyalty to a particular political party, sports team, or company, often at the expense of impartiality or rational decision-making.
Overall, "tribalistic" refers to the inclination towards prioritizing one's own tribe, group, or interests above others, often leading to exclusion, bias, and divisiveness.
Etymology of TRIBALISTIC
The word "tribalistic" is derived from the noun "tribal" combined with the suffix "-istic".
The noun "tribal" originates from the Latin word "tribalis", which refers to a tribe or clan. It further traces back to "tribus", meaning a division of the Roman people. In ancient Rome, "tribus" constituted a social unit that encompassed groups of families bound by common ancestry or geographical location. Over time, the term "tribal" expanded in meaning to refer to groups, societies, or communities that share a common set of characteristics, such as cultural, ethnic, or familial ties.
The suffix "-istic" is often used to form adjectives, suggesting something related to or characterized by the root word.
