bias
BY-us
/ˈbaɪəs/
Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
Bias can be conscious (explicit) or unconscious (implicit). It is a 'slant' in thinking.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'biais', meaning a slant or slope. It originally referred to the game of lawn bowls, where the ball was weighted on one side so it would curve (or 'slant') when rolled.
Word relationships
- prejudice: Prejudice often implies a stronger, more emotional dislike, while bias can be a subtle leaning.
- impartiality: The state of being fair and not leaning toward any side.
Commonly confused with
- objectivity: Bias is the presence of personal leaning; objectivity is the absence of it.
Word family
- biased (adjective): Showing prejudice.
Collocations
- unconscious bias
- cognitive bias
- show bias
- political bias
Idioms & expressions
- cut on the bias
Example sentences
- "The editor was accused of political bias after refusing to publish the opposing viewpoint." Media Criticism
- "Confirmation bias leads us to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs." Cognitive Science
Memory hook
Think of a 'By-us' (Bias). You want the decision to go 'by us' (your own group). A leaning to one side.
When not to use
While 'bias' is often negative, in statistics, it simply refers to a systematic error.
Fun facts
- In sewing, 'cutting on the bias' means cutting fabric diagonally across the grain, which allows it to stretch more easily.
Related words
Explore more words
slant, unbiased, In-group bias, impartial, predisposition, partisan
Also appears in
- Conflict → Prejudices & Biases
- Technology → Artificial Intelligence & ML
- Technology → Scientific Method & Inquiry
- Technology → Ethics in Science & Tech
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Misinformation & Media Literacy
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Behavioral Economics
- Education & Pedagogy → Single-Sex vs Coeducation
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Media Bias & Objective Reporting
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Algorithms & Echo Chambers
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