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bias

BYE-uhs /ˈbaɪəs/

nounverbB2IELTSTOEFLSATGRE

academicprofessionaljournalistic

A personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment or inclination for or against something or someone.

Bias is often subtle or subconscious; it is a 'slant' in thinking rather than an overt act of hatred.

The story behind the word. Originally a technical term in the game of bowls, 'bias' referred to a weight placed inside the ball to make it curve. Just as the weighted ball cannot roll in a straight line, a biased mind cannot reach a perfectly straight or objective conclusion.

Word relationships

partiality: Partiality implies a favorable leaning toward one side, whereas bias can be negative or positive.
predilection: A predilection is specifically a preference or liking, while bias is a broader distortion of judgment.

impartiality: The state of being neutral and objective.
objectivity: Judgment based on observable facts rather than personal feelings.

Commonly confused with

prejudice: Bias is a general leaning or slant; prejudice is a pre-formed opinion, usually negative, about a specific group.

Word family

biased (adjective): Showing an unfair tendency to believe that some people or ideas are better than others.
unbiased (adjective): Showing no prejudice; impartial.

Collocations

unconscious bias
confirmation bias
implicit bias
cognitive bias

Idioms & expressions

cut on the bias

Example sentences

"The study was criticized for selection bias, as it only included participants from a single demographic." Scientific Research
"The bias of the world, The world, who of itself is peised well, Made to run even upon even ground." Literature

Memory hook

Think of a 'BYE-us'—when you have a bias, you say 'bye' to us (the objective facts) and follow your own slanted path. The weighted bowling ball that can't roll straight.

When not to use

Do not use 'bias' when you mean a violent or aggressive hatred; 'bigotry' or 'animosity' is more appropriate there.

Fun facts

In the fashion world, 'cutting on the bias' means cutting fabric diagonally across the grain to create a graceful drape.