Intolerants

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A person who is unwilling to accept views, beliefs, or behaviors that differ from their own; someone who shows a lack of respect towards others' opinions or lifestyles; an individual exhibiting a strong prejudice against certain groups or ideas
  2. An individual characterized by an inability to tolerate differing perspectives, often leading to judgment or discrimination; someone who shows hostility towards those with opposing beliefs or differences; a person demonstrating a rigid mindset regarding certain values or practices
  3. A person who displays a narrow-minded attitude towards others, often refusing to engage with or understand differing viewpoints; someone who reacts negatively to diversity in thought or lifestyle; an individual marked by a lack of empathy or openness to alternative perspectives

Etymology: The root of this noun lies in the adjective "intolerant," which has been part of English since the late 16th century. "Intolerant" itself comes from the Latin verb "tolerare," meaning "to bear" or "to endure," combined with the prefix "in-," signaling negation. Thus, the original sense was someone unable or unwilling to endure something—whether ideas, behaviors, or conditions. The plural noun form emerged as a way to identify groups or individuals characterized by this unwillingness to accept differences. It often appears in social, religious, or political contexts, describing those who refuse to tolerate beliefs or practices differing from their own. The suffix "-s" simply marks the plural, turning the adjective into a collective noun. While the adjective focuses on a personal quality or attitude, the plural noun crystallizes that trait into a social category. This shift highlights how language can transform descriptive terms into labels for groups, especially when tensions around acceptance and exclusion become prominent in discourse. The journey from Latin roots about endurance to a modern word marking refusal encapsulates a subtle but significant evolution in meaning.

Synonyms: bigots, fanatics, zealots, extremists, narrow-minded people

Antonyms: tolerants, accepting, open-minded, liberals, inclusive