intolerance 🔊
Meaning of intolerance
Unwillingness or refusal to accept or respect opinions, beliefs, or practices that differ from one's own.
Key Difference
Intolerance implies a strong, often aggressive rejection of differences, whereas its synonyms may vary in intensity or context.
Example of intolerance
- The rise of religious intolerance in the region has led to increased tensions among communities.
- Her intolerance towards opposing political views made discussions difficult.
Synonyms
bigotry 🔊
Meaning of bigotry
Obstinate or unreasonable attachment to a belief, opinion, or faction, particularly against marginalized groups.
Key Difference
Bigotry often involves prejudice and discrimination, while intolerance may not always be as overtly hateful.
Example of bigotry
- His bigotry was evident when he refused to hire anyone from a different ethnic background.
- The speech was filled with bigotry, targeting several minority communities.
prejudice 🔊
Meaning of prejudice
Preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience, often leading to unfair treatment.
Key Difference
Prejudice is a biased attitude, while intolerance is an active refusal to accept differences.
Example of prejudice
- Her prejudice against immigrants influenced her voting decisions.
- The study revealed deep-seated prejudice in the workplace.
narrow-mindedness 🔊
Meaning of narrow-mindedness
Lack of willingness to consider different ideas or perspectives.
Key Difference
Narrow-mindedness suggests a limited worldview, whereas intolerance is more about rejection of differences.
Example of narrow-mindedness
- His narrow-mindedness prevented him from appreciating foreign cultures.
- The policy reflected the narrow-mindedness of its creators.
dogmatism 🔊
Meaning of dogmatism
Asserting opinions in an arrogant manner without consideration of evidence.
Key Difference
Dogmatism is about rigid belief systems, while intolerance focuses on rejecting opposing views.
Example of dogmatism
- The leader's dogmatism stifled any meaningful debate.
- Scientific progress is often hindered by dogmatism.
xenophobia 🔊
Meaning of xenophobia
Dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
Key Difference
Xenophobia is specifically about fear of foreigners, while intolerance is broader.
Example of xenophobia
- The new law was criticized for encouraging xenophobia.
- Xenophobia has increased with the influx of refugees.
discrimination 🔊
Meaning of discrimination
Unjust treatment of different categories of people, especially based on race, age, or gender.
Key Difference
Discrimination involves action against a group, while intolerance can be an attitude.
Example of discrimination
- Workplace discrimination remains a significant issue globally.
- The law aims to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation.
bias 🔊
Meaning of bias
Inclination or prejudice for or against a person or group.
Key Difference
Bias is a tendency, while intolerance is a refusal to accept differences.
Example of bias
- Media bias can shape public opinion significantly.
- The judge was accused of bias in the high-profile case.
sectarianism 🔊
Meaning of sectarianism
Excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, often leading to conflict.
Key Difference
Sectarianism is specific to religious or political factions, while intolerance is broader.
Example of sectarianism
- Sectarianism has divided the country for decades.
- The violence was fueled by deep-rooted sectarianism.
illiberality 🔊
Meaning of illiberality
Lack of openness to new ideas or ways of thinking.
Key Difference
Illiberality is about resistance to freedom of thought, while intolerance is about rejecting differences.
Example of illiberality
- The government's illiberality suppressed free speech.
- Illiberality in academia can hinder intellectual growth.
Conclusion
- Intolerance is a strong rejection of differing beliefs or practices, often leading to conflict or exclusion.
- Bigotry is best used when describing overt hatred or discrimination against marginalized groups.
- Prejudice applies to pre-formed negative opinions that may not always lead to action.
- Narrow-mindedness is suitable when describing someone unwilling to consider other perspectives.
- Dogmatism is appropriate when referring to rigid, uncompromising belief systems.
- Xenophobia specifically describes fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers.
- Discrimination involves active unfair treatment, not just attitudes.
- Bias refers to a tendency to favor or disfavor certain groups, often unconsciously.
- Sectarianism is used in contexts of religious or political factionalism.
- Illiberality describes opposition to open-mindedness or freedom of thought.