ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prejudices

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɹɛdʒədɪsɪz// UK //pɹˈɛdʒuːdɪsɪz// prej·u·dices

n. unfair opinions or feelings about someone that you form before you actually know them. These are often based on things like a person's race, religion, or background.

n. preconceived opinions or feelings toward a person or group, typically formed without adequate knowledge or reason. Often used in the plural to describe a collection of systemic biases.


SIMPLE

We must work hard to overcome our prejudices.

CONTEXTUAL

The hiring manager had to acknowledge his own prejudices to ensure he treated every candidate fairly during the interview process.

COMPLEX

Deeply ingrained prejudices can subtly influence social interactions even when individuals believe they are acting with complete objectivity and fairness.

Synonyms
Usage

Often takes the preposition 'against' or 'towards'.

Pitfall

he has a prejudice for themhe has a prejudice against themIn the context of unfair bias, the word almost always takes 'against' rather than 'for'.

© 2026 English Reference