Bigotries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. An unfair or unreasonable attachment to a particular set of beliefs or opinions while dismissing others as invalid or inferior
  2. The practice of holding biased and intolerant views against individuals or groups based on their differing characteristics such as race, religion, or ideology
  3. A mindset characterized by extreme devotion to one's own beliefs that leads to prejudice, discrimination, and a refusal to engage with differing perspectives

Etymology: The noun in question, describing the quality or practice of being intolerant toward those holding different opinions, traces its roots back to the word "bigot." This term originally appeared in English around the early 16th century, possibly borrowed from Old French or a dialectal form, though its ultimate origin remains somewhat obscure. "Bigot" initially referred to a person who was excessively devoted to a particular cause or belief, often in a narrow-minded or prejudiced way. The plural form "bigotries" follows a common English pattern of converting nouns ending in "-y" to plurals by adding "-ies." Thus, "bigotry" denotes the state or behavior characteristic of a bigot—marked by intolerance, stubbornness, and often an unwillingness to consider other viewpoints. The shift from a label for an individual to an abstract noun reflecting a broader social attitude likely occurred in the 17th or 18th century, coinciding with the rise of more nuanced discussions of tolerance and rights in English-speaking societies. The term thus captures not only personal prejudice but also systemic or cultural manifestations of intolerance. While the precise etymological lineage of "bigot" remains uncertain, the evolution of the related abstract noun has helped English speakers articulate the concept of entrenched intolerance in personal and political contexts, a concept as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

Synonyms: prejudices, biases, intolerances, discriminations, narrow-mindedness

Antonyms: open-mindedness, tolerance, acceptance, liberality, broad-mindedness