racist
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈreɪsɪst/
KK: /ˈreɪsɪst/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone or something that shows prejudice or discrimination against people based on their race.
Example
His racist comments upset many people at the meeting.
Conversation
Did you hear about that incident at the school?
Yeah, it was really shocking and so racist.
I can't believe people still think that way today.
I know, it's frustrating that we still have to deal with racist attitudes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bigoted
prejudiced
discriminatory
Antonyms
tolerant
inclusive
accepting
noun
Definition
A person who believes that one race is superior to others and treats people unfairly based on their race.
Example
He was labeled a racist for his discriminatory comments about other ethnic groups.
Conversation
Did you hear about that article on racism?
Yeah, it’s shocking how some people can still be such a racist.
I know, right? It feels like we should be better than that.
Root Explanation
Racist → It is formed from "race" (from Middle French *race*, meaning a group of people with shared physical characteristics) and the suffix "-ist" (meaning one who practices or is concerned with). The word "racist" refers to a person who believes in the superiority of one race over another.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is focused on a particular 'race' and believes in its superiority — that's what a 'racist' is.
Visually Confused Words
rapist
ramist
rachis
syriacist
romancist
rist
rais
prefacist