Racial

Definition

Racial pertains to race or races; denoting or deriving from the characteristics, actions, or societal circumstances of different racial groups.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈreɪʃəl/
• Respelling: RAY-shul (with "RAY" as in "ray," "sh" as in "she," and "ul" as in "pull")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈreɪʃəl/
• Respelling: RAY-shul (similar to American English, with "RAY" as in "ray," "sh" as in "she," and "ul" as in "pull")

In both dialects, "racial" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "RAY." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the "RAY" part clearly.

Etymology

The term "racial" originates from the French word "racial" in the 1500s, which was derived from "race", a term borrowed from the Italian "razza". The word has evolved over the centuries, originally referring to a lineage or breed and later taking on broader societal and anthropological connotations.

Derivatives

• Racially
• Racialize
• Racialization
• Racialist
• Racialism

Synonyms

• Ethnic
• Lineal
• Tribal

Antonyms

• Universal
• General
• Non-specific

Usage

"Racial" is employed across various domains such as anthropology, sociology, politics, and general discourse. It's often used to address matters related to racial identity, racial bias, and issues concerning specific racial groups.

Related Terms

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Discrimination
• Racial profiling

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Of, relating to, or characteristic of one race or the races of humankind.
• Example: The research paper discussed the racial differences in response to certain medications.

• Arising from or based on differences among human racial groups.
• Example: There is a need to address racial disparities in healthcare access and treatment.

• Involving, or indicative of racial prejudice or discrimination.
• Example: The policy was criticized for its racial bias and was subsequently amended.