Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈbɪɡət/

Definitions

1. (Noun) A person who is intolerant of or prejudiced against people from different cultures, religions, or opinions.

2. (Noun) A person who holds strong, irrational beliefs or views that are typically discriminatory towards others.

Usage Examples

• "He was called a bigot for his views on interracial marriage."
• "The community struggled to deal with the rise of bigotry in the region."
• "Her bigoted remarks were widely condemned by the audience."

Etymology

The term "bigot" is believed to have originated in 16th-century France. The exact origin is uncertain, but it may have been used to describe someone who was stubbornly religious or who was a hypocrite. The term gained its modern meaning in the 17th century, denoting someone who was intolerant or prejudiced. It likely comes from the Old French word "bigot," meaning a hypocrite or overly pious person.

Synonyms

• Intolerant
• Prejudiced
• Racist
• Discriminatory
• Fanatic

Antonyms

• Tolerant
• Open-minded
• Inclusive
• Unbiased
• Fair-minded

Translations in Major Global Languages

Translations in Indian Languages

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "bigot" is often pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable (/ˈbɪɡət/).
• In British English, the pronunciation can vary, with a slightly softer /ˈbɪɡəʊt/.
• In some regions, the pronunciation may include an added emphasis on the second syllable, sounding more like /bɪˈɡət/.

Historical Usage

The term "bigot" has been used since the late 16th century to describe someone who is obstinately and unreasonably attached to particular beliefs, particularly in the context of religious intolerance. Over time, its meaning expanded to include anyone who holds prejudices or discriminatory views towards others based on race, religion, gender, or nationality. Its use has grown to encompass a wide range of societal prejudices.

Cultural Nuances

The term "bigot" carries a highly negative connotation in most cultures, reflecting deep-seated intolerance and prejudice. In modern discourse, being called a bigot is often an accusation of unreasoning bias and discriminatory behavior. In some regions, however, the word can be used more casually or in political contexts, such as "religious bigot" or "racial bigot," to denote extreme or aggressive bias against particular groups.

More Information

The term "bigot" is often associated with social conflict and inequality. Bigotry has been a major obstacle in the fight for civil rights and social justice across the world. It continues to be a significant issue in various societies, leading to discrimination, violence, and social division. The term is widely used in contemporary discourse to call attention to and condemn prejudiced actions and beliefs, particularly when such views are institutionalized or normalized in certain communities.