ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prejudice

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈpɹɛdʒədɪs// UK //pɹˈɛdʒuːdɪs// prej·u·dice Archaic

n. an unfair opinion or feeling about someone that you formed without enough knowledge or experience. It often involves disliking a person just because of their race, religion, or background.

n. a preconceived opinion or judgment formed without just grounds or sufficient knowledge. Often manifests as an irrational hostility toward a specific social group or individual.


SIMPLE

The company works hard to fight prejudice in the workplace.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite her impressive qualifications, she faced deep-seated prejudice during the interview process because of her accent.

COMPLEX

Sociologists argue that systemic prejudice is often reinforced by media portrayals that rely on outdated stereotypes rather than individual merit or lived experience.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English prejudice, from Old French prejudice, derived from Latin praeiūdicium (“previous judgment or damage”), from prae- (“before”) + iūdicium (“judgment”).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general concept of bias; countable when referring to specific instances or types of bias. Often takes the preposition 'against'.

Pitfall

prejudice against of peopleprejudice against peopleThe noun takes the preposition 'against' directly; do not add 'of' after the preposition.

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