What’s in a word? The language of inclusion

The language used to describe what inclusion and diversity looks like can be complex and ever-changing. To help learners of English, our Cambridge Dictionary editors have compiled a word list of relevant definitions which examines the different terms and their meanings. 

The following words from our Cambridge Dictionary word list include English definitions with additional in-depth commentary:

• equity  noun  

  "the situation in which everyone is treated fairly according to their needs and no group of people is given special treatment" 

   

  Equity helps to promote fairness and equality by addressing barriers and creating a level playing field. To reach an equal outcome, we must recognise that each person has different circumstances, and will require different resources and opportunities.

   

• equality  noun 

  "the right of different groups of people to have a similar social position and receive the same treatment" 

   

  Equality acknowledges that everyone  deserves the same rights, opportunities and protections, while ensuring that everyone has access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities.

   

• diversity  noun  

  "the fact of many different types of things or people being included in something; a range of different things or people"

   

  Understanding diversity is key to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.  

   

• EDIB  noun 

  "the abbreviation for equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging: the idea that all people should have equal rights and treatment and be welcomed and included by an organisation, so that they do not experience any disadvantage because of belonging to a particular group"

   

  EDIB is a framework that promotes a set of guiding principles in all areas of society, including the workplace, education, healthcare, and other institutions. Ensuring that no one experiences disadvantages because of their background, how they identify, or because of their unique experiences and needs, is vital to achieving equity. 

   

• inclusion  noun 

  “the idea that everyone should be able to use the same facilities, take part in the same activities, and enjoy the same experiences, including people who have a disability or other disadvantage”  

   

  Creating a more just, equitable and inclusive society involves actively working to eliminate barriers to participation and engagement.  

   

• unbiased  adjective 

  "able to judge fairly because you are not influenced by your own opinions" 

   

  The tendency to favour or discriminate against certain individuals or groups based on preconceived notions or stereotypes is what characterises a person’s bias. By embracing equity, we can be aware of our biases and actively work to overcome them.

   

• belonging  noun  

  "a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group and having a good relationship with the other members of the group because they welcome you and accept you" 

   

  Belonging is essential to creating a more inclusive world, while celebrating diversity and helping to provide support and resources to everyone from all backgrounds to feel valued and heard. 

   

• ally  noun  

  "someone who helps and supports other people who are part of a group that is treated badly or unfairly, although they are not themselves a member of this group" 

   

  Allyship recognises that creating a more equitable world requires the support and advocacy of individuals from all backgrounds and identities. 

   

Our dictionaries are written for learners of English and are designed to help users understand English as it is currently used. Word definitions are compiled by analysing a large corpus of English texts (over two billion words in total) taken from all areas of writing and publishing.

Embracing equity helps us to value and promote fairness and justice for all individuals, while recognising and addressing issues and disparities.

Understanding this vocabulary can help us all work towards a more just and equitable world where diversity, inclusion, and equality are all recognised and valued. 

Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at Cambridge. 

Cambridge Dictionary is the world’s most popular online dictionary for learners of English. Our word lists are downloadable and shareable, and designed to help with learning new words by allowing you to test your understanding. 

Find out more about the Cambridge Dictionary: Cambridge Dictionary | English Dictionary, Translations & Thesaurus.