Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈbaɪəst/

Definitions

• As an adjective: Showing preference or favoritism toward one side, group, or perspective over others, often in an unfair manner.
• Having a tendency to be influenced by personal opinions or experiences, leading to an unfair judgment or decision.
• Referring to a situation or information that is slanted or not neutral.

Usage Examples

• "The news article was criticized for being biased toward one political party."
• "His biased opinion on the matter led to an unfair decision."
• "She tried to remain neutral, but her biased perspective on the situation was clear."

Etymology

The word "biased" comes from the Old French word "biais," which means "slant" or "oblique," derived from the Latin "bivium" meaning "two roads" or "fork." This evolved to indicate a tilt or slanting of something, and over time came to represent partiality or unfairness in judgment.

Synonyms

• Partial
• Prejudiced
• Unfair
• One-sided
• Slanted

Antonyms

• Unbiased
• Neutral
• Impartial
• Fair
• Objective

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• The pronunciation of "biased" can vary slightly in regions where English is spoken with different accents, such as a shorter vowel sound in American English versus a more drawn-out vowel sound in British English.
• In some accents, the "a" in "biased" may sound more like "æ" in certain dialects, while in others it may sound like a broader "a".

Historical Usage

The term "biased" has been used since the 18th century, originally describing the physical slanting of a line or object. It later expanded in use to describe partiality or favoring one side over another, especially in the context of opinion and judgment.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of being "biased" is important in discussions around fairness and justice. In modern culture, accusations of bias can be a significant issue in various fields such as media, politics, legal systems, and social sciences, as impartiality is often regarded as a core value in these areas.

More Information

Being biased refers to having an inclination or preference that influences judgment or actions. Bias can be conscious or unconscious, and it can stem from a variety of factors such as personal experiences, societal influences, or cultural norms. In social sciences, the study of bias is critical in understanding human behavior, decision-making, and prejudice. Bias can manifest in many ways, including racial bias, gender bias, and confirmation bias, among others. While bias can lead to unfairness, acknowledging and addressing bias is essential in promoting fairness and equality.