prejudice
PREH-juh-diss
/ˈprɛdʒədɪs/
A preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience; harm or injury that results from some action or judgment.
Prejudice is an internal state—a feeling or thought—whereas discrimination is the outward action based on that feeling.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, a 'praejudicium' was a precedent—a previous legal judgment that would influence future cases. Over time, it shifted from a legal term to a psychological one, describing a judgment made in the mind before the 'trial' of actual experience begins.
Word relationships
- preconception: A preconception is an idea formed beforehand, but it is often less emotionally charged or hostile than a prejudice.
- tolerance: The ability or willingness to accept something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.
Commonly confused with
- discrimination: Prejudice is the thought; discrimination is the act.
Word family
- prejudiced (adjective): Having or showing a dislike or distrust that is derived from prejudice.
- prejudicial (adjective): Harmful to someone or something; detrimental.
Collocations
- deep-seated prejudice
- racial prejudice
- without prejudice
- overcome prejudice
Idioms & expressions
- without prejudice (legal term)
Example sentences
- "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Classic Literature
- "Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts." Social Commentary
Memory hook
Break it down: PRE-JUDGE. You are judging the book by its cover before you even open it. The judge who bangs the gavel before the witness speaks.
When not to use
Avoid using it as a synonym for 'dislike' if the dislike is based on actual bad experiences with an individual.
Fun facts
- In legal contexts, 'without prejudice' means that a claim or statement is made without abandoning any rights or privileges.
Related words
Explore more words
xenophobia, stereotype, unbiased, objectivity, grievance, malice
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