Prejudicial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คจ
prejudicial
[หprษdสสหdษชสษl ]
Definitions
in legal context
Causing or having the potential to cause harm, damage, or disadvantage.
Synonyms
damaging, detrimental, harmful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prejudicial |
Similar to the first entry, emphasizing legal or official harm or bias.
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| harmful |
This word is commonly used in everyday language to describe something that causes physical, emotional, or environmental damage.
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| damaging |
This word is more general and can be used in everyday situations to describe something that causes harm or injury, either physically or metaphorically.
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| detrimental |
This word is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe something that has a negative impact on something else.
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Examples of usage
- The judge ruled that the prejudicial evidence could not be admitted in court.
- His comments were deemed prejudicial to the defendant's case.
in general context
Showing a bias or unfair judgment towards a particular group or individual.
Synonyms
biased, discriminatory, prejudiced.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prejudicial |
Use in formal contexts, especially in legal and official documents, to describe something that could harm or negatively influence a situation.
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| biased |
Use in everyday language to describe an unfair tendency to favor one side, opinion, or group over another.
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| discriminatory |
Reserved for situations where unequal treatment against individuals or groups based on specific characteristics like race, gender, or age is present. Often has a negative connotation.
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| prejudiced |
Frequently used in everyday language to describe someone who has negative beliefs or feelings towards a certain group of people without any real reason.
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Examples of usage
- The article contained prejudicial remarks against immigrants.
- His prejudicial attitude towards women was evident in his behavior.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In law, prejudicial evidence is information that may unfairly sway a jury or judge against a party.
- Legal decisions can be labelled 'prejudicial' if they result from bias, compromising the fairness of a trial.
- Certain laws aim to prevent prejudicial practices to ensure equal treatment for all individuals.
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can lead to prejudicial attitudes, affecting how we perceive others before knowing their full story.
- Stereotyping is a common form of prejudice, where assumptions are made about someone based on group characteristics.
- Interventions in psychology focus on reducing prejudicial thinking to foster better understanding and cooperation among people.
Social Issues
- Prejudicial attitudes have historically contributed to discrimination in various societies, impacting groups based on race, gender, or beliefs.
- Educational programs aim to combat prejudicial views by promoting empathy and understanding across cultures.
- Public policy often addresses prejudicial practices to ensure fair treatment and equality in the legal system.
Media Influence
- Media representations can perpetuate prejudicial views by emphasizing stereotypes in films and news outlets.
- Social media often acts as a platform where prejudicial opinions can spread rapidly without context or accurate information.
- Campaigns against prejudicial narratives are increasingly common, seeking to inform and challenge biases in public discourse.
Origin of 'prejudicial'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'praejudicialis', meaning 'previous judgment'.
- It first appeared in English legal texts during the 14th century, reflecting early legal practices.
- The prefix 'pre-' means 'before', and 'judicial' relates to judgments, showing the word's connection to unfairly decided matters.
The word 'prejudicial' originated from the Latin word 'praeiลซdiciฤlis', which means 'injurious, damaging'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of prejudice has been a significant issue throughout history, leading to discrimination and injustice in various societies. Understanding and addressing prejudicial attitudes and actions are crucial for promoting equality and fairness.
See also: prejudiced, prejudicially, unprejudiced.