Definition

Noun: 1. A limited or prejudiced perspective: The quality or state of having a mind that is not receptive to new ideas, different opinions, or unfamiliar ways of life. It often involves a tendency to judge others harshly based on one's own limited views. 2. An inclination to criticize opposing opinions or shocking behavior: A disposition to be intolerant of views, beliefs, or actions that differ from one's own, often leading to unfair criticism or condemnation.

Usage

• As a subject: is a significant barrier to social progress.
• As an object: The policy was born out of fear and .
• With possessive adjectives: His prevented him from appreciating the cultural richness of the city.

Examples

• The community's made it difficult for new ideas to take root.
• She was frustrated by the sheer of their criticism.
• Overcoming one's own requires conscious effort and exposure to different perspectives.

Advanced Usage

• "Intellectual narrow-mindedness": Specifically refers to a closed-minded attitude towards ideas, theories, or academic thought.
  • The professor warned against the dangers of intellectual narrow-mindedness in scientific research.
• "Cultural narrow-mindedness": Refers to an inability or unwillingness to understand or accept different cultures.
  • Travel is often the best cure for cultural narrow-mindedness.

Variants and Related Words

• Narrow-minded (adjective): Having or showing a prejudiced or limited perspective.
  • It was a narrow-minded viewpoint.
• Narrow-mindedly (adverb): In a narrow-minded manner.
  • He narrow-mindedly dismissed all alternative solutions.

Synonyms

• Intolerance: Unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own.
• Bigotry: Obstinate or intolerant devotion to one's own opinions and prejudices.
• Prejudice: Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
• Insularity: Ignorance of or lack of interest in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience.

Antonyms

• Open-mindedness: The quality of being willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
• Tolerance: The ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with.
• Broad-mindedness: Having a liberal, tolerant, or unprejudiced outlook.

Noun

1. an inclination to criticize opposing opinions or shocking behavior