What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
xenophobic
Example
His xenophobic views made him hostile towards immigrants. [xenophobic: adjective]
Example
Xenophobic attitudes can lead to discrimination and exclusion. [xenophobic: noun]
racist
Example
Her racist comments were offensive and hurtful. [racist: adjective]
Example
Racism is a systemic issue that affects many communities. [racism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Racism is a more commonly used term than xenophobia in everyday language. Racism has a long history of systemic oppression and discrimination, while xenophobia may be more situational and context-dependent.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between xenophobic and racist?
Both xenophobia and racism are associated with negative attitudes and are typically considered inappropriate in formal settings. However, racism is a more serious offense and can have legal consequences, while xenophobia may not have the same level of severity.