ra ‧ cial /ˈreɪʃ ə l/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ race , ↑ racism , ↑ racist ; adjective : ↑ racial , ↑ multiracial , ↑ racist ; adverb : ↑ racially ]
1 . [only before noun] relating to the relationships between different races of people who now live in the same country or area:
a victim of racial discrimination
This part of the community needs to be protected from racial prejudice.
evidence of racial harassment
the campaign for racial equality
the need for tolerance and racial harmony
2 . relating to the various races that humans can be divided into ⇨ ethnic :
a broad range of racial and ethnic groups
people of different racial origin
—racially adverb :
They live in a racially mixed area.
Police officers believe the attack was racially motivated.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ racial discrimination (=when particular races of people are treated unfairly)
We found no evidence of racial discrimination.
▪ racial equality (=when people of all races have the same rights and advantages)
We are firmly committed to achieving racial equality.
▪ racial prejudice (=unreasonable bad opinions of someone based on their race)
He claimed that his opponents were motivated by racial prejudice.
▪ racial hatred (=hatred of people based on their race)
He was prosecuted for inciting racial hatred.
▪ racial harassment (=threatening behaviour towards someone of another race)
The court case increased public awareness of sexual and racial harassment in the workplace.
▪ racial tension (=bad feelings between people of different races, which could develop into violence)
His arrest is likely to heighten racial tensions.
▪ racial violence
We can't rest until there is no more racial violence.
▪ racial harmony (=when people of different races live or work together and trust each other)
Dr King's dream of racial harmony has never been fully realized.
▪ racial segregation (=when people of different races are kept apart and forced to live, work etc separately)
The 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibited racial segregation in public buildings.
▪ racial abuse (=insulting remarks based on someone's race)
Their children had begun to face racial abuse on the streets and in school.
▪ a racial attack
He was the victim of a racial attack.