Prejudiced
ˈprɛdʒədɪst
Definitions
Having or showing an unreasonable dislike of or preference for one thing, person, or group compared with another, especially based on stereotypes or insufficient information.
ˈprɛdʒədɪst
Having or showing a bias against someone or something; making unfair judgments.
The company's hiring practices were considered prejudiced against women.
💡 Simply: Imagine you only heard one side of a story and made up your mind before hearing the other side. You'd be prejudiced! It's like thinking all dogs are mean because you once got nipped by one.
👶 For kids: When you have a bad thought about someone or something before you even know them.
More Examples
He admitted to being prejudiced by his upbringing.
A prejudiced view can lead to unfair treatment of people.
How It's Used
"The study revealed a prejudiced attitude towards immigrants."
"The judge ruled the evidence was prejudiced to the defendant."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
prejudiced against
Holding negative opinions about someone or something before knowing the facts.
"He was prejudiced against new technologies."
without prejudice
Without affecting existing rights or claims; not affecting a decision on a later occasion.
"The court dismissed the case without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled."
From French *préjudice* meaning 'prejudice', ultimately from Latin *praejudicium* ('prejudgment'), from *prae-* ('before') + *judicium* ('judgment').
Historically, the term was closely tied to legal contexts, referring to prejudgments or decisions made before a full hearing of the facts. Over time, the meaning broadened to encompass any form of bias or unfair judgment.
Memory tip
Imagine a JUDGE making a decision BEFORE hearing all the facts – that’s PREJUDICED.
Practice
Word Origin
Prefix: pre- (before)
Suffix: -ed (adjective)