Racist
/ˈreɪsɪst/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who holds or expresses the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities, and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
/ˈreɪsɪst/
A person who shows or feels discrimination or prejudice against people of other races, or who believes that a particular race is superior to another.
The company's marketing strategy was criticized as racist.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who thinks their skin color or the group they belong to is better than others. That person is a racist. For example, if someone thinks White people are better than Black people, they're being racist.
👶 For kids: Someone who thinks one group of people is better than another group because of their skin color. That's not nice!
More Examples
She strongly condemned the racist comments made online.
The protestors were marching against the racist policies of the government.
How It's Used
"The activists labeled the politician a racist for his discriminatory remarks."
"Accusations of racism often surface during heated political debates."
Characterized by or showing prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
/ˈreɪsɪst/
Showing or caused by prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
The company apologized for its racist advertising campaign.
💡 Simply: If something or someone treats people unfairly because of their skin color or background, we say it's racist. Like, a store owner treating customers differently based on race would be considered racist.
👶 For kids: When something is mean or unfair to people because of the color of their skin. It's not fair or kind.
More Examples
The politician made a racist remark during a public speech.
The court found the policy to be racist.
How It's Used
"The author's book contained racist stereotypes."
"The judge ruled that the company's hiring practices were racist."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
dog whistle
A message, often political, that appears to be innocuous to the general public but contains a hidden, and often discriminatory, message for a specific group.
"The politician was accused of using dog whistles to appeal to racist voters."
race card
An accusation that someone is using race as a basis for an argument or action, especially to gain an advantage.
"Critics accused him of playing the race card during the debate to deflect criticism."
From race + -ist. The term gained prominence in the context of anti-Black racism during the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States.
The term gained widespread use during the Civil Rights Movement in the US, as the concept of racial discrimination became a central issue in public discourse.
Memory tip
Think of the root word 'race' and how it's connected to negative prejudice and discrimination.