What does "racialism" mean?
The belief that humans can be categorized as belonging to distinct races, each race being characterized by fixed and heritable traits.
Racialism
noun
noun ·4 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The belief that humans can be categorized as belonging to distinct races, each race being characterized by fixed and heritable traits.
- Grammar: racialism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: racism, anti semitism, apartheid, black power.
- Useful contrasts: colorblind policy, colorblindness, egalitarian policy.
- Usage evidence: George took up the problem of racialism.
How to use "racialism"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "racialism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "racialism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "racialism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The belief that humans can be categorized as belonging to distinct races, each race being characterized by fixed and heritable traits. countable, uncountable
"Racialism is at the heart of nineteenth-century attempts to develop a science of racial difference, but it appears to have been believed by others—like Hegel, before then, and Crummell and many Africans since—who have had no interest in developing scientific theories."
- 2 discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race wordnet
- 3 Racism, the belief in the existence of different races and that some are superior to others; policies or practices which promote the dominance of one or more races over others. countable, uncountable
"This is The Lie of North American Superiority — an assumption based mainly on our superior living standard. […] This Lie of Superiority, this ill-disguised racialism in us who are always denouncing racialism in other people, is more than an unpleasant breach of good manners. It has deep and evil effects upon the affairs of the world."
- 4 Tribalism, nationalism. British, countable, dated, uncountable
"The modern dogma of nationalism, as maintained by a class of theoretic politicians (and which might more properly be called racialism [italics in original] — leaving nationalism to denote the recent modified application of socialism in pol. econ.)"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"George took up the problem of racialism."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "racialism"?
Common synonyms include: racism, anti semitism, apartheid, black power, chauvinism, critical race analysis.
How do you use "racialism" in a sentence?
George took up the problem of racialism.
Etymology
From racial + -ism. Coined in 1882 based on the older use of "race" as a synonym of "nation, tribe, ethnic group", later senses (from 1890) from the use of "race" for racial categories.