antisexist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, academic, sociopolitical
Quick answer
What does “antisexist” mean?
Opposed to or combating sexism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Opposed to or combating sexism; against discrimination based on sex or gender.
Pertaining to a position, policy, behavior, or theory that actively challenges prejudice, stereotyping, or unequal treatment based on a person's sex or gender. Often used to describe a conscious stance or action aimed at promoting gender equality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or spelling. The concept is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both regions, associated with progressive, feminist, or egalitarian social movements.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, primarily found in academic, activist, or policy-related contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “antisexist” in a Sentence
[Be] antisexist[Adopt] an antisexist [policy/approach][Commit] to antisexist [practice/education]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antisexist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Antisexist is not used as a verb.]
American English
- [Antisexist is not used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [The adverbial form 'antisexistly' is extremely rare and not standard.]
American English
- [The adverbial form 'antisexistly' is extremely rare and not standard.]
adjective
British English
- The university adopted a strong antisexist harassment policy.
- Her research focuses on antisexist pedagogy in primary schools.
American English
- The organization is committed to antisexist hiring practices.
- We need an antisexist analysis of the media coverage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in diversity and inclusion (D&I) policy documents or training materials.
Academic
Common in gender studies, sociology, education, and critical theory texts.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used by individuals engaged in related discourse.
Technical
Used as a specific term in social justice, pedagogy, and activism frameworks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antisexist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antisexist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antisexist”
- Misspelling as 'anti-sexist' (hyphenated form is less common in modern usage).
- Using it to mean simply 'not sexist' rather than 'actively opposing sexism'.
- Confusing 'antisexist' (against sexism) with 'antifeminist' (against feminism).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Feminist' is a broader term advocating for women's rights on the grounds of equality of the sexes. 'Antisexist' is a more specific term meaning actively opposed to sexism, which can be a stance taken by feminists and others. One can be antisexist without necessarily identifying with all aspects of feminist theory.
'Non-sexist' typically describes something that is neutral or free from sexism. 'Antisexist' implies a more active, conscious position of opposing and challenging sexism. An antisexist approach is actively engaged, while a non-sexist one might be passively neutral.
In British English, it's /ˌæntiˈsɛksɪst/. In American English, both /ˌæntiˈsɛksɪst/ and /ˌæntaɪˈsɛksɪst/ are acceptable, with the first being more common.
Yes, though less common. As a noun, it refers to a person who holds antisexist views (e.g., 'He is a committed antisexist'). The adjectival use is more frequent.
Opposed to or combating sexism.
Antisexist is usually formal, academic, sociopolitical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANTI-SEXIST' = being AGAINST (anti) unfair treatment based on SEX (sexist).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL JUSTICE IS A BATTLE / A CLEANING PROCESS (e.g., 'combatting sexism', 'rooting out sexist attitudes').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'antisexist' MOST likely to be used?