noun

bigot

BIH-guht

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Bigot (noun) means someone who clings stubbornly to their own views and won't tolerate people of a different race, religion, gender, or opinion. Example: “He was exposed as a bigot after the racist messages surfaced online.”

noun

Someone who clings stubbornly to their own views and won't tolerate people of a different race, religion, gender, or opinion.

"He was exposed as a bigot after the racist messages surfaced online."

"The film challenges viewers who dismiss bigots as a problem of the past."

How to use bigot

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA person who is intolerant of anyone who thinks, believes, or lives differently from them.

Common mistake

Bigot is always a strong, negative label for a person — it is not used to describe an opinion or policy itself (that would be "bigoted").

Easily confused with

bigamist racist →

Common pairings

a narrow-minded bigot called him a bigot a raging bigot

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: bigots

Test yourself on “bigot” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He was exposed as a _____ after the racist messages surfaced online.

Etymology

Borrowed from French bigot, an old insult for a religious hypocrite. Its ultimate origin is disputed, though one theory ties it to Normans swearing "by God" (Middle English bi God); another links it to Albi, a French town linked to religious sectarianism.

Origin: French

Frequently asked questions

What does “bigot” mean?

The word “bigot” means someone who clings stubbornly to their own views and won't tolerate people of a different race, religion, gender, or opinion. In plain terms, a person who is intolerant of anyone who thinks, believes, or lives differently from them.

How do you pronounce “bigot”?

“Bigot” is pronounced BIH-guht (/ˈbɪɡət/ in IPA).

How do you use “bigot” in a sentence?

Here is “bigot” used in a sentence: “He was exposed as a bigot after the racist messages surfaced online.”

What part of speech is “bigot”?

“Bigot” is a noun.

Where does the word “bigot” come from?

The word “bigot” comes from French.

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Vocabulary lists that include bigot:

Words with French origins