# bias

/ˈbaɪəs/ (US) · /bˈaɪəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bias
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. prejudice or unfair preference

noun · CEFR B2

a tendency to prefer one person or thing over another, often in a way that is unfair.

For teachers: a systematic prejudice or inclination for or against one person, group, or idea, typically in a manner considered to be unfair or subjective.

- The reporter was accused of bias because he only interviewed people from one political party.
- The study was criticised for selection bias, as the researchers only recruited participants who already had a positive view of the product.

### 2. diagonal fabric direction

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a diagonal line across a piece of woven cloth.

For teachers: the diagonal direction of a woven fabric, 45 degrees to the warp and weft threads, providing more stretch and drape.

- The dress was cut on the bias so that the fabric would flow beautifully over her body.
- Tailors often cut silk on the bias to exploit the natural elasticity of the weave, ensuring the garment contours to the wearer's figure.

Usage: often used in the phrase 'on the bias'

### 3. statistical error

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

a systematic error in a study that makes the results inaccurate.

For teachers: the difference between an estimator's expected value and the true value of the population parameter being estimated.

- The survey had a clear bias because it only asked people who lived in expensive areas.
- To eliminate observer bias, the clinical trial utilised a double-blind methodology where neither the patients nor the doctors knew who received the treatment.

### 4. electronic voltage

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a steady voltage or current applied to a device to help it work correctly.

For teachers: a fixed DC voltage or current applied to a terminal of an electronic component to establish its operating point.

- The engineer adjusted the bias of the transistor to improve the sound quality of the amplifier.
- Incorrect bias settings in the vacuum tube stage resulted in significant harmonic distortion during high-gain passages.

### 5. K-pop favourite

noun · CEFR B1 · Slang · Informal

your favourite member of a music group, especially a K-pop band.

For teachers: a term used within fandoms to identify an individual's preferred member of a musical group.

- I love the whole group, but Jungkook is definitely my bias.
- Fans often collect photocards specifically of their bias to trade with other members of the community.

### 6. to influence unfairly

verb · CEFR B2

to influence someone or something so they are no longer neutral.

For teachers: to cause a person or process to have a prejudice or to be unfairly influenced.

- The judge warned the jury not to let the media reports bias their decision.
- The wording of the questionnaire was found to bias the respondents toward a specific, predetermined conclusion.

### 7. diagonal

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

slanting or diagonal, especially when talking about cloth.

For teachers: cut or positioned diagonally across the grain of a fabric.

- She used a bias binding to finish the curved edges of the quilt.
- The designer preferred a bias cut for the evening gowns to achieve a more fluid silhouette.

## Examples

- The judge showed a clear bias toward the defendant.
- The news report was criticized for its political bias because it only interviewed people from one side of the debate.
- Researchers must implement double-blind protocols to eliminate observer bias, ensuring that their personal expectations do not inadvertently influence the recording of experimental data.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.