Definition

A focus on race or racial factors, often influencing decisions or policies, and sometimes associated with the belief that different races have distinct characteristics.

Example

The government's racialism has led to policies that favor one group over others.

Conversation

Have you heard about the discussions on racialism in today's news?

Yeah, it seems like it's becoming a hot topic again.

It's frustrating how people still focus on these divisions based on race.

I know, right? We should be promoting unity instead.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Racialism is formed from "race" (from Old French *rasse*, meaning a group of people with shared physical characteristics) and "-ism" (meaning a doctrine or belief). The term refers to the belief in the superiority of one race over others.

Memory Tip

Think of 'race' as a group of people with shared traits and '-ism' as a belief system — racialism is the belief in the superiority of one race.

Visually Confused Words