Bigotry: intolerance rooted in prejudice

Characteristics and typical forms

Bigotry often shows a pattern of closed-mindedness, stereotyping, selective perception, and refusal to engage with contrary information. It can be interpersonal (insults, harassment), structural (laws or workplace norms that disadvantage groups), or cultural (narratives and symbols that demean others). Common targets include race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, and socioeconomic status.

• Racial and ethnic bigotry
• Religious intolerance and sectarianism
• Sexism and misogyny
• Homophobia and transphobia
• Xenophobia and nativism

Forms of bigotry may be connected to broader belief systems or political movements; in some contexts those linkages are organized into an explicit ideology that justifies exclusionary practices.

Origins and history of the word

The English word has long roots: its recorded use in English goes back at least to 1598, having entered the language via French. Historical senses included accusations of religious hypocrisy, and early writers sometimes applied the term to people perceived as sanctimonious or narrow-minded. For more on the word’s linguistic background see etymology notes and commentary; older texts occasionally use it to mean "religious hypocrite".

In modern usage the word functions as a strong reproach and is often used as a pejorative. That usage highlights moral condemnation: calling someone a bigot signals that their intolerance is not merely mistaken but ethically objectionable.

Understanding bigotry matters because it shapes personal relationships, organizational climates, and public policy. Responses to bigotry typically include education, anti-discrimination law, intergroup contact programs, and efforts to shift social norms. Addressing structural aspects requires examining policies and institutions as well as individual attitudes.

Wherever it appears, bigotry undermines social trust and hinders equitable participation in civic life. Recognizing its patterns helps communities identify remedies and promote more inclusive, evidence-based discourse.