Words / B2

PREJ-uh-dis/ˈpredʒədɪs/

Prejudice is an unfair opinion formed without enough knowledge: racial prejudice, prejudice against, without prejudice (a legal phrase meaning a offer cannot be used later as admission). Bias is a close twin, often about leaning; discrimination is action based on prejudice. Prejudiced is the adjective. In speech, unfair views is enough. It is a serious word — do not use it for a mild preference for tea, and without prejudice in law is a set phrase, not a moral claim.

Meaning

An unfair opinion formed without enough knowledge or without considering the facts.

Examples

• “The campaign challenged prejudice against people with mental illness.”
• “The campaign challenged prejudice against people with a stammer.”
• “Talks were held without prejudice, which is the legal sense, not “we have no bias”.”

Good to know

prejudice against; racial / religious prejudice. Close: bias. Action: discrimination. Legal: without prejudice. Serious tone; not a tea preference.

Near in meaning

bias

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