racism
RAY-sihzm
Racism (noun) means the belief that people can be divided into distinct races, with some inherently superior to others. Example: “In class, we discussed how racism as an idea has been challenged by scientists.”
noun
1
The belief that people can be divided into distinct races, with some inherently superior to others.
"In class, we discussed how racism as an idea has been challenged by scientists."
"The teacher explained that racism rests on false claims about differences between groups."
"The museum exhibit traced the history of racism and its impact on policy."
"But other kinds of talk and text that are not visible, so called covert racist discourse, may be just as important in reproducing the culturally shared ideas that underpin racism."
— Jane H. Hill, The Everyday Language of White Racism (2011)
2
Discrimination or prejudice against people based on their race.
"This was partly true, but the biggest thing stopping him was that he had tried going to a college in Adelaide before and grew tired of the little racisms and discrimination that he got there."
— Bernard Guerin, How to Rethink Human Behavior (2016)
"Many schools now run workshops to help staff recognise and challenge racism."
"He spoke about the racism his family faced when they moved to the town."
"She filed a complaint after experiencing racism at work."
How to use racism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe belief in racial superiority, or the discrimination that stems from it.
Common pairings
systemic racism
combat racism
accusations of racism
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Word forms
- Plural
- racisms
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In class, we discussed how _____ as an idea has been challenged by scientists.
Etymology
Borrowed from French racisme, built from "race" plus the suffix "-ism."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “racism” mean?
The word “racism” means the belief that people can be divided into distinct races, with some inherently superior to others. In plain terms, the belief in racial superiority, or the discrimination that stems from it.
How do you pronounce “racism”?
“Racism” is pronounced RAY-sihzm (/ˈɹeɪsɪzm̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “racism” in a sentence?
Here is “racism” used in a sentence: “The museum exhibit traced the history of racism and its impact on policy.”
What is another word for “racism”?
Words with a similar meaning to “racism” include ethnicism† and racialism.
What part of speech is “racism”?
“Racism” is a noun.
Where does the word “racism” come from?
The word “racism” comes from French. Borrowed from French racisme, built from "race" plus the suffix "-ism.".
Is “racism” a common word?
“Racism” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “racism” have?
“Racism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the belief that people can be divided into distinct races, with some inherently superior to others.
What is the difference between racism and prejudice?
Prejudice is a preconceived opinion about a person or group that is not based on reason or experience. Racism is prejudice or discrimination directed specifically at people because of their race, often tied to the belief that some races are superior, so all racism involves prejudice but not all prejudice is racism.
What is the difference between racism and discrimination?
Discrimination is unfair treatment of people based on a characteristic such as age, sex, or race. Racism is discrimination or prejudice based specifically on race, and it can also mean the belief that some races are inherently superior, so racism is one particular form of discrimination.
What is the difference between racism and racialism?
The two are closely related and often used interchangeably. "Racialism" tends to stress belief in distinct races and their differences, while "racism" more strongly implies prejudice, discrimination, or the belief that some races are superior, and it is the broader, more common term today.
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