anti-chinese
UK[ˌæntiˌtʃaɪˈniːz]US[ˌæntiˌtʃaɪˈniːz]
adj
Opposed to or hostile towards China, its people, or its culture.
Morpheme Breakdown
anti
chinese
anti
against
chinese
of China
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by directly combining the Greek-derived prefix "anti-" with the established adjective "Chinese". The prefix "anti-", originating from the Greek preposition "antí" meaning "against", has been a productive element in English since the late Middle English period, used to form words denoting opposition. "Chinese" itself derives from "China", a name of uncertain origin but popularized in Europe via Latin and Persian, combined with the suffix "-ese" used to form adjectives of origin. The compound "anti-Chinese" thus transparently constructs its meaning through a direct oppositional relationship to the entity named in the second element, emerging in political and social discourse to describe prejudice or policy directed against China.
Analysis
Structure: anti (against) + chinese (of China)
- anti: From Greek via Latin, meaning "against" or "opposite". A prefix indicating opposition or hostility.
- chinese: From the country name "China" + the English adjectival suffix "-ese", meaning "of or relating to China or its people".
Examples
The newspaper condemned the anti-Chinese rhetoric in the political speech.
Historical laws enforcing anti-Chinese discrimination had lasting impacts on communities.
The organization works to combat anti-Chinese sentiment and promote cultural understanding.