What does bigoted mean?
"Bigoted" is an adjective describing someone who holds their own opinions or beliefs stubbornly and unreasonably, refusing to tolerate any view that differs from their own. It most often applies to attitudes toward religion, race, nationality, or politics, and it implies more than mere disagreement: a bigoted person is closed to evidence and discussion, treating other people's convictions with contempt. The word derives from "bigot," a noun for such a person, and relates to "bigotry," the quality itself. Because it carries strongly negative connotations, calling a person or statement bigoted is usually an accusation, and it appears frequently in debates about discrimination, censorship, and social attitudes. Its force lies in pairing prejudice with irrationality — it suggests not just that someone holds biased views, but that they are incapable of examining them.
adjectiveObstinately and unreasonably attached to a particular belief or opinion, especially about religion, politics, or ethnicity, and intolerant of those who hold different views.
- Having or showing obstinate, unreasonable attachment to one's own opinions or beliefs, combined with intolerance toward differing views, especially on religion, race, or politics.
"His bigoted refusal to even consider her argument ended the discussion before it began."
"She was dismissed after colleagues reported his bigoted comments about immigrants."
"The novel portrays a bigoted landowner whose prejudices slowly isolate him from his community."
No one knows where "bigot" actually came from — one old theory traces it to a mocking imitation of Normans swearing "bi God!" in medieval England.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bigoted
"Bigoted" comes from "bigot," a word borrowed into English from French in the late sixteenth century; its deeper origin is genuinely uncertain, though one popular theory links it to a satirical rendering of Norman French speakers exclaiming "bi God!". From "bigot" English also formed "bigotry." The adjective "bigoted" developed by regular derivation from the noun, appearing in use by the early seventeenth century.
Related word forms
How bigoted is actually used
"Bigoted" carries strong negative connotation; describing someone's views as bigoted implies both prejudice and an unwillingness to reason, so it is often used in criticism or accusation rather than neutral description. It is common in formal journalism and everyday speech alike.
Easily confused with bigoted
"Bigot" is the noun for a person who holds intolerant views, while "bigoted" is the adjective describing those views or the attitudes behind them.