intolerant 🔊
Meaning of intolerant
Unwilling to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.
Key Difference
While 'intolerant' implies a refusal to accept differences, its synonyms may vary in intensity or context, such as focusing on prejudice, narrow-mindedness, or bigotry.
Example of intolerant
- The leader was criticized for being intolerant of opposing political opinions.
- Some people are intolerant of lactose and must avoid dairy products.
Synonyms
bigoted 🔊
Meaning of bigoted
Obstinately convinced of the superiority of one's own opinions and prejudiced against those who differ.
Key Difference
Bigoted implies stronger prejudice and often a refusal to consider other viewpoints, whereas intolerant can be more general.
Example of bigoted
- His bigoted remarks about immigrants sparked widespread outrage.
- Bigoted attitudes have no place in a modern, inclusive society.
prejudiced 🔊
Meaning of prejudiced
Having preconceived opinions that are not based on reason or experience.
Key Difference
Prejudiced focuses on pre-formed negative judgments, while intolerant emphasizes unwillingness to accept differences.
Example of prejudiced
- The judge was accused of being prejudiced against the defendant.
- Prejudiced hiring practices can harm workplace diversity.
narrow-minded 🔊
Meaning of narrow-minded
Lacking openness to new ideas or different perspectives.
Key Difference
Narrow-minded suggests a limited perspective, whereas intolerant implies active rejection of differing views.
Example of narrow-minded
- Her narrow-minded approach to education stifled creativity in the classroom.
- Being narrow-minded prevents personal growth and understanding.
dogmatic 🔊
Meaning of dogmatic
Inclined to lay down principles as undeniably true, without consideration of evidence.
Key Difference
Dogmatic implies rigid adherence to beliefs, while intolerant focuses on rejection of differing views.
Example of dogmatic
- The professor's dogmatic teaching style discouraged debate.
- Dogmatic political ideologies often lead to polarization.
illiberal 🔊
Meaning of illiberal
Opposed to liberal principles, restricting freedom of thought or behavior.
Key Difference
Illiberal often refers to political or social restrictions, while intolerant is more personal.
Example of illiberal
- The illiberal policies of the regime suppressed free speech.
- An illiberal society stifles innovation and progress.
xenophobic 🔊
Meaning of xenophobic
Having a dislike or prejudice against people from other countries.
Key Difference
Xenophobic is specific to foreign cultures, while intolerant is broader.
Example of xenophobic
- Xenophobic sentiments rose during the economic crisis.
- Xenophobic policies harm international relations and cultural exchange.
sectarian 🔊
Meaning of sectarian
Rigidly following the doctrines of a sect or group, often leading to conflict.
Key Difference
Sectarian is tied to religious or factional divisions, while intolerant is more general.
Example of sectarian
- Sectarian violence erupted between the two communities.
- Sectarian divides can hinder national unity.
inflexible 🔊
Meaning of inflexible
Unwilling to change or compromise.
Key Difference
Inflexible refers to rigidity in general, while intolerant is about rejecting differing views.
Example of inflexible
- His inflexible stance on the issue made negotiations difficult.
- Inflexible rules can sometimes hinder progress.
biased 🔊
Meaning of biased
Showing unfair favoritism or prejudice.
Key Difference
Biased implies partiality, while intolerant suggests outright rejection.
Example of biased
- The biased reporting influenced public opinion unfairly.
- A biased jury can compromise the fairness of a trial.
Conclusion
- Intolerant describes a refusal to accept differing views, often leading to exclusion or conflict.
- Bigoted is best used when referring to strong, prejudiced attitudes, especially in social or political contexts.
- Prejudiced works well when discussing preconceived negative judgments about people or groups.
- Narrow-minded is appropriate when describing someone unwilling to consider new ideas.
- Dogmatic fits situations where rigid adherence to beliefs shuts down discussion.
- Illiberal is ideal for describing policies or systems that restrict freedoms.
- Xenophobic should be used specifically for prejudice against foreigners or foreign cultures.
- Sectarian applies to conflicts or divisions within religious or ideological groups.
- Inflexible is more about general rigidity, while biased refers to unfair favoritism.