Prejudice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คจ
prejudice
[หprษdสษdษชs ]
Definitions
social behavior
Prejudice is an unjustified or incorrect attitude, usually negative, towards an individual based solely on the individual's membership of a social group.
Synonyms
bias, bigotry, discrimination, intolerance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prejudice |
Prejudice refers to preformed and usually negative opinions or feelings towards someone based on their group membership (such as race, religion, or gender) without proper knowledge or reason. It is often used in discussions of social justice, equality, and human rights.
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| bias |
Bias denotes a tendency to favor one thing, person, or group compared to another, often in a way considered to be unfair. It can be both conscious and unconscious and is frequently discussed in contexts such as media, hiring practices, and personal judgments.
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| bigotry |
Bigotry involves strong, unreasonable beliefs and hatred toward different groups, often manifesting in openly hostile actions and speech. It carries a clearly negative connotation and is commonly used in discussions of extreme intolerance and hatred.
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| discrimination |
Discrimination refers to unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, particularly on the grounds of race, age, or sex. It is often discussed in legal and social contexts, regarding issues like employment, housing, and education.
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| intolerance |
Intolerance denotes an unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behaviors that are different from one's own. It is often used to describe an attitude that refuses to accept diversity or differing opinions, leading to conflict and social division.
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Examples of usage
- His prejudice against people from different cultures was evident in his behavior.
- She experienced prejudice when she was denied a job opportunity because of her gender.
- The prejudice against immigrants is still prevalent in many societies.
- Prejudice can lead to discrimination and unfair treatment of certain groups.
- Overcoming prejudice requires education and open-mindedness.
action
Prejudice is to pre-judge someone before knowing the facts, usually in a negative way.
Synonyms
bias, influence, preconceive, prejudge.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prejudice |
Use 'prejudice' when addressing an unjustified or incorrect attitude, usually negative, towards an individual based solely on their membership in a particular group. This term often carries a strong negative connotation.
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| influence |
Influence describes the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. This term can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.
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| bias |
Bias refers to a tendency to lean in a certain direction, often to the detriment of an open mind. It can be positive or negative, and while it may be deliberate, it can also be subconscious.
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| preconceive |
Use 'preconceive' to refer to ideas, opinions, or beliefs formed before having the evidence for their truth or usefulness. This term often implies forming judgments without sufficient information.
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| prejudge |
Prejudge indicates forming an opinion about someone or something ahead of time, without adequate information, and often unfairly. It generally carries a negative overtone similar to 'prejudice'.
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Examples of usage
- She prejudiced the jury by making false accusations against the defendant.
- His reputation was prejudiced by the false rumors spread about him.
- Prejudicing someone based on stereotypes is harmful and unfair.
- Prejudicing the outcome of the competition is against the rules.
- It's important not to let personal biases prejudice your judgment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Social Psychology
- Social psychologists study how prejudices form and can influence behavior and attitudes about different groups.
- Studies show that prejudice can be reduced through meaningful interactions with diverse groups.
- Stereotypes often predict the types of prejudice individuals may hold, which can lead to confirming those beliefs.
Literature
- Many classic novels, such as 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, explore themes of social bias and misunderstandings.
- Characters often transcend their initial prejudiced views, leading to deeper understanding and healing.
- Literature serves as a mirror to society, reflecting prejudices and encouraging critical thinking about them.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, prejudice has contributed to systemic injustices, such as racial segregation and discrimination.
- Movements like the Civil Rights Movement have aimed to combat prejudice and promote equality.
- Historical events, like the Holocaust, highlight devastating outcomes of unchecked prejudice.
Pop Culture
- Movies and television series often address prejudice, highlighting the personal stories of those affected.
- Shows like 'The Good Place' and films like '12 Years a Slave' aim to raise awareness about biases and injustices.
- Media representations can either reinforce or challenge societal prejudices, impacting audience perceptions.
Origin of 'prejudice'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin 'praejudicium', which means 'previous judgment'.
- In the 14th century, the word was used to refer to a legal decision made before all evidence was presented.
- Language evolution has seen 'prejudice' shift from legal contexts to social and interpersonal ones.
The word 'prejudice' has its origins in Latin, where 'prae-' means 'before' and 'judicium' means 'judgment'. The concept of prejudice has been present throughout history, often leading to discrimination and inequality. Addressing and combating prejudice is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society.