misogyny

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformal

   Hatred of women, or a settled belief that they are inferior, often shown in attitudes and behavior.

   Grammar: Has no plural: online misogyny, not a misogyny.

   Patterns

   • misogyny towards women
   • misogyny in something

   The report found widespread misogyny in the online forum.

   She wrote a book about the roots of misogyny.

   Many campaigners fight misogyny in the workplace.

2. 2noununcountableformal

   A system or culture in which women are treated unfairly or kept down.

   Grammar: Used as a social term, often with institutional or cultural.

   Patterns

   • institutional misogyny

   Historians describe how misogyny shaped laws for centuries.

   The film shows the misogyny of the 1950s office.

Common combinations

online misogyny

Online misogyny has become a major concern.

casual misogyny

She was shocked by the casual misogyny in the joke.

fight misogyny

The group works to fight misogyny in schools.

deep-rooted misogyny

The study uncovered deep-rooted misogyny in the company.

accuse someone of misogyny

Critics accused the host of misogyny.

Synonyms and how they differ

sexism

Sexism covers unfair treatment based on sex against anyone, while misogyny focuses on hatred of women.

chauvinism

Chauvinism is a belief in male superiority, but it does not always include hatred as misogyny does.

woman-hating

Woman-hating is a plainer, more direct phrase for the attitude.

Opposites

Word family

misogynist noun

a person who hates or is prejudiced against women

misogynist adjective

showing hatred of women

misogynistic adjective

relating to or showing misogyny

misogynoir noun

misogyny aimed at Black women

misandry noun

hatred of men, the counterpart

Commonly confused: misogyny or misanthropy? misogyny or misandry?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “misogyny”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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