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Meaning & use

sinophobic

adjective·Advanceddisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˌsaɪnəˈfəʊbɪk/
US/ˌsaɪnəˈfoʊbɪk/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meaning

  1. adjectivecomparabledisapproving

    Showing dislike, fear or prejudice toward China, Chinese people or Chinese culture.

    Grammar: Used before a noun or after be: a sinophobic remark, or the post was sinophobic.

    Patterns

    • sinophobic attitudes
    • sinophobic abuse

    The council condemned the sinophobic graffiti found near the school.

    Critics said the politician's speech was sinophobic and ignored the facts.

    Reports of sinophobic abuse rose sharply during the outbreak.

Common combinations

sinophobic attitudes
The survey found sinophobic attitudes in several countries.
sinophobic rhetoric
Some leaders were accused of using sinophobic rhetoric.
sinophobic abuse
Shop owners reported sinophobic abuse from passers-by.
sinophobic hate crime
Police opened an inquiry into a sinophobic hate crime.
openly sinophobic
The comments were openly sinophobic and drew wide criticism.

Synonyms and how they differ

anti-Chinese
Plainer and more common in everyday speech; sinophobic suggests a deeper fear or prejudice, not just opposition.
xenophobic
Much broader, since it covers hostility toward any foreigners, whereas sinophobic is aimed at China or Chinese people.
racist
Refers to prejudice based on race in general; sinophobic names the particular group targeted.

Opposites

sinophilic

Word family

sinophobia noun
fear or hatred of China or Chinese people
sinophobe noun
a person who has such fear or hatred
sinophile noun
a person who admires China and its culture

Commonly confused: sinophobic or sinusitis?

sinophobic vs sinusitis

Sinusitis is a medical condition affecting the nose and face; it only looks similar at the start of the word.

Practice

The newspaper apologized for a ___ cartoon that mocked Chinese tourists.

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