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- pronunciation:
- reI
sih
z
 m
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun), Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
the theory or opinion that a certain race is superior to another or others because of certain inborn characteristics. Racism can underlie the beliefs and actions of both individuals and institutions, as well as those of a society as a whole.
Laws that allowed some immigrants into the country and not others were influenced by racism. |
| definition 2: |
persistent and pervasive discrimination, both subtle and direct, on the part of members of the racial group that holds the greatest wealth and power within a society against members of other racial groups, resulting in inequities in such areas as income, job opportunities, access to voting and healthcare, treatment under the law, and treatment by law enforcement officials; systemic racism.
- similar words:
- race
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| definition 3: |
contempt for or distrust of members of a different race based on generalized, preconceived notions regarding their character or abilities.
Racism motivated the neighbor's call to the police. |
| related words: |
discrimination, prejudice |
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The word racism
contains the following parts:
-ism2
Greek
noun-forming suffix
that means doctrine, belief, theory
  More about this word part:
The suffix -ism2 has the same origin as -ism1 but attaches to bases of diverse origins to form nouns denoting doctrines, beliefs, or theories. In the growing group of words modeled on the word "racism
," -ism
means "bias based on," as in "sexism" and "ageism
." The majority of nouns ending in -ism2 have a corresponding adjective and noun form ending in -ist.
Example words:
-ist
Greek
noun-forming suffix
that means person who does or believes in
More about this word part:
Many words ending in -ist
have a corresponding abstract noun form ending in -ism, and many have a corresponding adjective form ending in -ic (realistic, artistic).
Example words:
activist, artist, biologist, Buddhist, chemist, communist, cyclist, dentist, economist, journalist, physicist, racist, scientist, sexist, socialist
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