What does prejudice mean?
Prejudice denotes an unfavorable attitude that is formed before adequate knowledge or fair consideration is available. It commonly refers to assumptions or hostility directed toward people because of their race, religion, nationality, gender, or social group, though the word can apply more broadly to attitudes about ideas, places, or objects. As a noun, prejudice may name the attitude itself or a pattern of unfair treatment arising from it. As a verb, to prejudice someone means to disadvantage or predispose them unfavorably, while to prejudice a matter means to influence judgment before it is properly considered. In everyday use, prejudice is closely associated with bias and discrimination, but it specifically emphasizes a preconceived and usually unjust judgment. The word is especially important in discussions of equality, law, education, and social behavior because prejudices can shape institutions as well as individual conduct.
An unfair or hostile opinion formed about someone or something without adequate knowledge or consideration.
"The report documented the prejudice faced by members of the minority community."
Often used in formal and social contexts, especially in reference to prejudice based on group identity.
To form an adverse opinion about someone or something before considering the relevant facts, or to cause someone to be disadvantaged by such an opinion.
"The advertisement may have prejudiced customers against the company's newer service."
The verb is less common than the noun and often has a formal tone; it can also mean to impair the impartiality of a judgment or decision.
The plural is used for individual instances or forms of prejudice, especially in statements about social attitudes and discrimination.
"The exhibition challenged the prejudices that divided communities during the war."
Prejudice literally begins with a legal idea: judging a case in advance, and it grew to name the ordinary human habit of deciding before the evidence is in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prejudice come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin praejudicium, a noun meaning a prior judgment or decision. Its components are the prefix prae-, meaning before, and judicium, a judgment or judicial decision, related to judex, a judge. The original sense referred to a judgment made before a case was heard, and the word developed its modern sense of an adverse opinion or bias held in advance.
Related word forms
How prejudice is actually used
In modern English, prejudice usually has a negative social meaning and commonly refers to attitudes linked to identity, such as race, religion, gender, or nationality. It is often used in formal discussions of discrimination and social inequality. As a verb, it can mean to influence someone adversely or to form a premature judgment.
Easily confused with prejudice
Bias is a broader term for a leaning or disposition, while prejudice specifically suggests an unjustified, often negative opinion that can lead to unfair treatment.
Prejudice is a noun referring to an unfavorable attitude or disposition, whereas prejudge is a verb meaning to form an opinion about something before considering the evidence.