Prejudice: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• Her prejudice against people from different cultures was evident in her remarks.
• Fighting against racial prejudice is crucial for creating a more inclusive society.

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.

• The judge was accused of bias in his ruling.
• Unconscious bias can affect how we perceive and interact with others.

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.

• His bigotry was revealed through his hateful comments towards immigrants.
• Bigotry has no place in a civilized society.

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.

• The company faced a lawsuit for gender discrimination.
• Efforts to combat racial discrimination continue to be a priority for many organizations.

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.

• Religious intolerance has caused numerous conflicts throughout history.
• Intolerance towards different viewpoints stifles healthy discussion and growth.

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.

• Racial prejudice still exists in many parts of the world.
• Her remarks showed a deep-seated prejudice against immigrants.

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.

• Her mentorship had a significant influence on my career choice.
• The media has a powerful influence on public opinion.

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.

• The judge was accused of bias in favor of the plaintiff.
• News outlets should strive to eliminate bias in their reporting.

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.

• Try not to preconceive notions about people before you get to know them.
• His criticism was based on preconceived ideas about our project.

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'.

• It is important not to prejudge a person based on their appearance.
• The jury must ensure they do not prejudge the case.