Prejudice vs. Bigotry: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 20, 2023
Prejudice is a preconceived opinion not based on reason, while bigotry is intolerant devotion to one's own beliefs and prejudices.
Key Differences
Prejudice, by definition, refers to a preconceived opinion or judgment without proper reason or actual experience. Bigotry, on the other hand, dives deeper into intolerance, displaying an obstinate allegiance to one's own opinions and an unreasonable bias against those who differ.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
While both words, prejudice and bigotry, highlight negative human tendencies, the emphasis varies. Prejudice leans towards a premature judgment or bias, while bigotry is characterized by a stubborn and complete refusal to accept differing views.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Interestingly, prejudice can be both positive and negative, like forming a good first impression without reason. Bigotry, conversely, is always negative, signifying an unreasonable adherence to a single viewpoint and a refusal to respect diversity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
One might argue that prejudice can be unconscious, stemming from societal or cultural influences. Bigotry, however, is often more conscious and deliberate, showcasing a more rigid mindset and staunch resistance against change or acceptance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
In essence, while prejudice might make one form an opinion without a proper basis, bigotry ensures that such opinions are held onto, even in the face of contradicting evidence or reason, with intolerance towards others.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Preconceived opinion without proper reason.
Intolerant devotion to one's beliefs and biases.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Acceptance of Different Views
Might not actively deny other perspectives but doesn't base on reason.
Actively denies and disrespects other views.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
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Prejudice and Bigotry Definitions
Prejudice
An unjustified or incorrect attitude towards an individual based on their group.
Their prejudice against outsiders often led to misunderstandings.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
Bigotry
Stubborn intolerance to any group outside one's own.
His bigotry prevented him from appreciating global cultures.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
Prejudice
An irrational aversion or preference rooted in one's background or experiences.
Due to a past experience, her prejudice against big cities was evident.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Bigotry
Extreme prejudice and strong biases against specific groups.
The rise in bigotry in some parts of the country alarmed human rights activists.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prejudice
An adverse opinion formed about a group without direct knowledge.
His prejudice against certain foods stemmed from cultural influences.
Janet White
Oct 13, 2023
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Bigotry
A mindset of superiority and discrimination against those different from oneself.
Educational campaigns aimed to break walls of ignorance and bigotry.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 13, 2023
Prejudice
A bias or predisposition in favor or against something or someone.
The judge's prejudice towards celebrities raised concerns about a fair trial.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Bigotry
Unyielding and obstinate attachment to one's beliefs and prejudices.
The town's bigotry towards outsiders was legendary and unwelcoming.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Prejudice
The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions
“This is not actually a volume of the best short stories … These are just the stories that I like best, and I am full of prejudice and strong opinions” (Ann Patchett).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Bigotry
A rigid perspective that resists acceptance or respect for diversity.
The old leader's bigotry stood in stark contrast to the younger generation's open-mindedness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Prejudice
An adverse judgment or opinion formed unfairly or without knowledge of the facts
A boy with a prejudice against unfamiliar foods.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Bigotry
The attitude, state of mind, or behavior characteristic of a bigot; intolerance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular social group, such as a race or the adherents of a religion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Bigotry
Characteristic qualities of a bigot: (especially religious, anti-religious or racial) intolerant prejudice, opinionatedness, or fanaticism; fanatic intolerance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
Detriment or harm caused to a person, especially in a legal case
The delay operated to her prejudice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
Preclusionary effect, preventing further pursuit of one's interests
The case was dismissed with prejudice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Bigotry
The state of mind of a bigot; obstinate and unreasoning attachment of one's own belief and opinions, with narrow-minded intolerance of beliefs opposed to them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
To fill with prejudice or cause to judge with prejudice
My rural upbringing has prejudiced me against living in the city.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
To affect detrimentally or harmfully by a judgment or act
Negative media coverage prejudiced people's opinion of the mayor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
(countable) An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
(countable) A preconception, any preconceived opinion or feeling, whether positive or negative.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
(countable) An irrational hostile attitude, fear or hatred towards a particular group, race or religion.
I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
(transitive) To have a negative impact on (someone's position, chances etc.).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
An opinion or judgment formed without due examination; prejudgment; a leaning toward one side of a question from other considerations than those belonging to it; an unreasonable predilection for, or objection against, anything; especially, an opinion or leaning adverse to anything, without just grounds, or before sufficient knowledge.
Though often misled by prejudice and passion, he was emphatically an honest man.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
A bias on the part of judge, juror, or witness which interferes with fairness of judgment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
Mischief; hurt; damage; injury; detriment.
England and France might, through their amity,Breed him some prejudice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
To cause to have prejudice; to prepossess with opinions formed without due knowledge or examination; to bias the mind of, by hasty and incorrect notions; to give an unreasonable bent to, as to one side or the other of a cause; as, to prejudice a critic or a juryman.
Suffer not any beloved study to prejudice your mind so far as to despise all other learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
To obstruct or injure by prejudices, or by previous bias of the mind; hence, generally, to hurt; to damage; to injure; to impair; as, to prejudice a good cause.
Seek how may prejudice the foe.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
A partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Prejudice
A premature judgment formed without adequate information.
Her prejudice against new employees made her skeptical about their abilities.
Sara Rehman
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
How can one combat prejudice?
By gaining knowledge, understanding, and challenging one's own biases.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Can prejudice be positive?
Yes, people can have positive prejudices, like thinking well of someone without reason.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Is bigotry always evident in actions?
While bigotry often manifests in actions, it fundamentally lies in one's mindset and beliefs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Can someone be unaware of their prejudices?
Yes, prejudices can be implicit or unconscious.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Is bigotry a learned behavior?
Bigotry is often learned from societal influences, upbringing, or personal experiences.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Are there laws against bigotry?
Many countries have anti-discrimination laws that combat acts stemming from bigotry.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What is prejudice rooted in?
Prejudice often stems from lack of knowledge, stereotypes, or societal influences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What makes bigotry harmful?
Bigotry's intolerance can lead to discrimination, hate crimes, and societal divisions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
How are bigotry and prejudice linked?
Bigotry is a more entrenched form of prejudice with active intolerance.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Can institutions display prejudice?
Yes, institutions can have systemic prejudices that affect their functioning.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
How does bigotry impact global relations?
Bigotry can strain diplomatic relations and hinder multicultural cooperation.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Is bigotry just about race?
No, bigotry can relate to race, religion, nationality, gender, or any other group distinction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Can education combat bigotry?
Education promotes understanding and can be a powerful tool against bigotry.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Can societies function with widespread prejudice?
Societies can function, but prejudice often leads to injustice and lack of harmony.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Can prejudice exist without stereotypes?
While they often go hand in hand, prejudice can exist independently based on other biases.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Does prejudice always lead to discrimination?
Not always, but unchecked prejudice can manifest as discriminatory actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What's a common misconception about bigotry?
That it's only a product of ignorance; sometimes, it's a conscious choice.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Can societies overcome deeply ingrained bigotry?
With effort, education, and understanding, societies can challenge and reduce bigotry.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Can media perpetuate prejudice?
Yes, media can reinforce stereotypes and spread prejudiced views.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Are children naturally prejudiced?
Children can display biases, but these are often learned from their environment.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
