Prejudge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prejudge

[priːˈdʒʌdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

injustice

To judge or form an opinion about someone or something before having all the facts; to make a premature judgment.

Synonyms

preconceive, preconception, prejudgment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prejudge	Use 'prejudge' when referring to making a judgment or forming an opinion about someone or something before having enough information or experience, often leading to unfair or biased conclusions. It's important not to prejudge someone based on their appearance She felt unfairly treated because her boss seemed to prejudge her work without giving it a proper review
preconceive	Use 'preconceive' when talking about forming an idea or opinion beforehand, usually without sufficient evidence or details. This word emphasizes the formation of an idea rather than the act of judging someone. They tended to preconceive notions about the new project based on rumors Try not to preconceive ideas before learning all the facts
preconception	Use 'preconception' to refer to an idea or opinion that someone has formed beforehand, especially one that is not based on actual experience or evidence. This often leads to biased or unfounded beliefs. Her preconception about the difficulty of the task made her anxious Breaking down preconceptions can lead to more open-minded discussions
prejudgment	Use 'prejudgment' to describe an assessment or conclusion made before all relevant information is considered. This term highlights the result of the action rather than the process, and can carry negative connotations. The committee faced criticism for their prejudgment of the candidate's capabilities Avoid making a prejudgment until all the evidence is reviewed

Examples of usage

It is unfair to prejudge someone based on their appearance alone.
She was prejudged by her colleagues before they had a chance to get to know her.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal system

A bias or partiality in favor of or against a person or group without proper examination of the facts.

Synonyms

bias, discrimination, partiality, preconception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prejudge	Used when someone makes a decision about someone or something without having all the facts. It's unfair to prejudge someone based on their appearance. Don't prejudge the outcome of the game.
bias	Refers to a tendency to favor one side or person over another, often in a way considered unfair. The judge was accused of bias against the defendant. Her political bias was evident in her reporting.
partiality	Suggests an unfair preference for someone or something over another. It's similar to bias but more focused on favoritism. The teacher's partiality towards certain students was obvious. Judges must avoid partiality when making decisions.
preconception	Represents an opinion or idea formed before having enough information or experience, often leading to unfair judgments. She had a preconception that the city would be dirty. His preconceptions about the job were proven wrong.
discrimination	Often used to describe the unfair treatment of people based on characteristics like race, gender, or age. It has a strong negative connotation. Discrimination in the workplace is illegal. They faced discrimination because of their religion.

Examples of usage

The lawyer argued that the jury's prejudice had influenced the outcome of the trial.
The judge instructed the jury to set aside any prejudice and consider only the evidence presented.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Cognitive biases can lead people to prejudge others based on stereotypes or first impressions.
Studies show that first impressions are formed within seconds, often leading to unfair snap judgments.
Being aware of these biases can help people make more informed decisions rather than rely solely on their initial feelings.

Cultural Impact

Media often influences people's judgments, as portrayals can guide perceptions even before personal experiences are formed.
Social movements continuously challenge prejudging attitudes, emphasizing the importance of understanding individuals on a deeper level.
In different cultures, prejudging can affect interpersonal relationships, highlighting the need for open communication and understanding.

Education

In educational settings, prejudging can affect teacher-student relationships, often based on preconceived notions about a student's abilities.
Critical thinking skills are taught to help students recognize and avoid prejudging others, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Programs promoting empathetic communication aim to reduce prejudgments, encouraging peers to understand one another’s backgrounds and challenges.

Law and Ethics

In legal contexts, prejudgments can lead to unfair trials, which is why juries are instructed to evaluate cases based only on presented evidence.
Ethical considerations in professions emphasize the importance of withholding judgment until all facts are available.
Understanding the ramifications of prejudice in decision-making is crucial for fair legal practices and social justice.

Origin of 'prejudge'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from combining 'pre-', meaning before, and 'judge', which means to form an opinion.
It first appeared in English in the late 1800s, highlighting the tendency to make assumptions before gathering information.
It reflects a common human behavior of forming quick opinions, often based on limited experience.

The word 'prejudge' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'pre-' (before) and 'judge'. It has been used to describe the act of forming an opinion before having all the necessary information, often leading to unfair treatment or bias.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,780 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30777 hypermedia
30778 catalyzing
30779 cassia
30780 prejudge
30781 dissembling
30782 falseness
30783 pesky
...