Bigot is a term that is often used in modern society, but not many people understand its meaning and origin. The word is often used to describe someone who has an intolerant attitude towards people who have different beliefs or opinions. In this article, we will explore the various definitions and meanings of the word bigot, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
A bigot is someone who is intolerant of other people’s beliefs, opinions, or lifestyles. They often have a narrow-minded and prejudiced view of the world and are unwilling to consider other perspectives. The term bigot is often used to describe someone who is racist, sexist, or homophobic.
Origin
The word bigot comes from the French word ‘bigot’, which means a religious hypocrite. The term was first used in the 16th century to describe someone who was overly zealous in their religious beliefs and was intolerant of other religions. Over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to include intolerance towards people with different beliefs or opinions.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a bigot is “a person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions.” Merriam-Webster defines a bigot as “a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one who regards or treats the members of a group (such as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.”
Associations
The term bigot is often associated with negative traits such as intolerance, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness. It is also associated with discrimination and hatred towards people who are different from oneself.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bigot include:
- Prejudiced.
- Intolerant.
- Narrow-minded.
- Dogmatic.
- Fanatical.
- Zealous.
- Closed-minded.
- Inflexible.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of bigot include:
- Tolerant.
- Accepting.
- Open-minded.
- Liberal.
- Progressive.
- Unbiased.
- Objective.
The same root words
The word bigot comes from the Old French word ‘bigot’, which means a religious hypocrite. The word is also related to the Middle English word ‘bygod’, which means ‘by God’. Both words have religious connotations and are used to describe someone who is overly zealous in their religious beliefs.
Example Sentences
- John is a bigot who refuses to accept anyone who doesn’t share his political views.
- Sarah’s parents are bigots who disapprove of her relationship with a person of a different race.
- The company’s hiring policies were criticized for being bigoted towards people with disabilities.
- The politician’s bigoted remarks about immigrants caused outrage among the public.
- It’s important to be open-minded and not become a bigot towards people with different beliefs or opinions.