Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

polygenist

noun
/ˌpɒliˈdʒɛnɪst/
Definition
A person who believes that different races have different origins.
Examples
  • Many polygenists argue that human diversity is best explained by distinct evolutionary paths.
  • The polygenist theory differs significantly from monogenism, which posits a common ancestry for all humans.
  • Historically, the writings of polygenists were controversial and often used to justify racial inequality.
Meaning
Polygenist refers to the concept or theory that human races have originated from multiple independent sources rather than from a single common ancestor.
Synonyms
  • racialist
  • nativist
  • multi-origins theorist