bigotry
UK[ˈbɪɡətri]US[ˈbɪɡətri]
n
The fact of having and expressing strong, unreasonable beliefs and disliking other people who have different beliefs or a different way of life.
n
An instance or practice of such attitudes or behavior.
Morpheme Breakdown
bigot
ry
bigot
sanctimonious person
ry
Etymology
The word 'bigotry' entered English in the early 17th century from the French 'bigoterie', which denoted excessive religious devotion or hypocrisy. Its core, 'bigot', has a murkier past; one prominent theory traces it to the Old French exclamation "bi got," possibly meaning "by God," used by the Normans as an oath, which the French later applied mockingly to the supposedly over-pious Normans. Over time, the sense shifted from a specific charge of religious hypocrisy to a general term for any obstinate and intolerant attachment to one's own creed, opinion, or group. Thus, 'bigotry' evolved to name the characteristic state or practice of a 'bigot', encapsulating the condition of intolerant zeal.
Analysis
Structure: bigot + ry
- bigot: Likely from Old French, originally meaning "sanctimonious person" or "religious hypocrite." Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be related to a Germanic oath phrase.
- ry: A noun-forming suffix of Old French/Latin origin (-erie, -ia), indicating a state, condition, or collective characteristics.
Examples
His speech was condemned for its blatant bigotry and prejudice.
We must continue to fight against all forms of racism and bigotry in our society.
She accused him of sheer bigotry for dismissing her arguments without consideration.