inclusive language
Words welcoming everyone
Inclusive language is word choice that avoids excluding or marginalizing particular groups—whether by gender, race, disability, or other characteristics.
It favors terms like "firefighter" over "fireman," "partner" over assuming "husband" or "wife," or "person with a disability" over older labels.
The concept emerged from awareness that default terms often centered one group while othering everyone else.
Critics sometimes dismiss it as excessive political correctness; proponents argue language shapes thought and belonging.
- diverseOf many types
- accessibleAble to be reached
- welcomingReceiving others warmly
- gender-neutralWithout sex distinction
- respectfulShowing proper regard
equitable · belonging · sensitivity · pronouns · they/them · representation · people of color · affirming · mindful · word choice · terminology · disability · marginalized · lived experience · equity · empowering · cultural · awareness
- gender languagemasculine, feminine, neuter, he, she
- gender-neutralthey, them, their, themself, singular they
- Modern ChristianityVatican II, ecumenism, evangelicalism, liberation theology, Billy Graham
- neutral language
- social equityracial justice, disability rights, racial equity, diversity training, intersectionality
- Style GuidesStrunk and White, stylebook, editorial guidelines, AP style, house style
inclusive languagegendered language
Words encoding masculine/feminine distinctions
inclusive languagehate speech
Language attacking protected characteristics
slurs · offensive language · epithets · microaggressions · insults
inclusive, language, include, inclusion, exclusion, exclusive, inclusivity, inclusiveness, excluding