Unbiased Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unbiased

[สŒnหˆbaษชษ™st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

news reporting

Unbiased means not supporting or opposing any particular side or group, and therefore fair and impartial. It refers to being neutral and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

Synonyms

impartial, neutral, unprejudiced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unbiased

Used when someone or something is free from favoritism or preference in judgment.

  • The judge's decision was unbiased and based solely on the evidence presented
impartial

Typically used in formal settings to describe fair treatment or judgment that is not influenced by personal feelings or interests.

  • It's important for a mediator to remain impartial during a negotiation
neutral

Used when someone does not support either side in a conflict, debate, or competition, often to avoid taking a stance.

  • Switzerland is known for its neutral stance in many international conflicts
unprejudiced

Used to describe a person who holds no preconceived opinions or biases, often in contexts involving social issues or equality.

  • Her unprejudiced view on different cultures made her an excellent anthropologist

Examples of usage

  • The journalist always strives to provide unbiased news coverage.
  • The impartiality of the judge ensures a fair trial.
  • The survey was conducted in an unbiased manner to gather accurate data.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans naturally develop biases based on personal experiences, culture, and background, making it challenging to remain unbiased.
  • In research, avoiding bias is crucial as it ensures that findings are valid and applicable to a wider audience.
  • Several cognitive biases can affect judgment, such as confirmation bias, where one favors information that supports existing beliefs.

Media and Journalism

  • Unbiased reporting is a fundamental principle of journalism; news outlets strive to present facts without subjective interpretation.
  • The concept of impartiality is emphasized in many journalistic codes, ensuring that all sides of a story are represented.
  • The 'objective journalist' is an ideal that many strive for, assessing facts and viewpoints without personal influence.

Education

  • In educational settings, unbiased teaching practices encourage critical thinking by presenting multiple viewpoints on any topic.
  • Fair assessments without favoritism help ensure that all students are evaluated based on their actual performance.
  • Educators strive to create inclusive environments where all voices are heard and respected, fostering a sense of belonging.

Ethics

  • Unbiased decision-making is essential in fields like medicine and law, where fairness can significantly impact lives.
  • Ethical frameworks often emphasize the importance of impartiality to foster trust and just outcomes.
  • Organizations may implement policies to minimize bias in recruitment and hiring, promoting diversity and equity.

Origin of 'unbiased'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unbiased' combines 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'biased', which comes from the Middle French word 'biais' meaning 'slant' or 'slope'.
  • Bias as a concept has been recognized since the 16th century, relating to a slant in perspective or judgment.
  • The prefix 'un-' signifies the negation, so when put together, it literally means 'without slant' or 'fair'.

The word 'unbiased' originated from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'biased' meaning 'prejudiced or influenced'. It first appeared in the early 17th century and has been used to describe fair and impartial attitudes towards various subjects.


See also: bias, biased.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,334, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.