prejudice
B2Formal, academic, legal, everyday (in serious discussion)
Definition
Meaning
An unreasonable dislike of or preference for a person, group, custom, etc., especially when it is based on their race, religion, sex, etc.
1. A preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. 2. Harm or injury that results or may result from some action or judgment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word inherently carries a negative connotation, implying unfairness and lack of rational basis. It can refer to both the attitude itself and the resulting harm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in formal and serious discourse in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
prejudice against somebody/somethingprejudice in favour of somebody/somethingto the prejudice of somebody/something (legal)without prejudice (legal)be prejudiced againstVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “without prejudice to (legal phrase)”
- “prejudice sb's case”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in discussions of diversity, hiring practices, and workplace culture (e.g., 'The company has a zero-tolerance policy for prejudice').
Academic
Central term in sociology, psychology, law, and critical studies (e.g., 'The study examined the structural roots of racial prejudice').
Everyday
Used in serious conversations about social issues (e.g., 'We need to teach children to overcome prejudice').
Technical
In law, a precise term referring to detriment to legal rights or the 'without prejudice' rule in negotiations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tabloid coverage could prejudice the jury.
- I don't want to prejudice her chances in the interview.
American English
- The judge warned that media comments might prejudice the trial.
- His prior relationship could prejudice the board's decision.
adjective
British English
- The remarks were clearly prejudiced and offensive.
- She realised her view was prejudiced and uninformed.
American English
- He was accused of making prejudiced statements.
- The policy was seen as prejudiced against minority groups.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is wrong to have prejudice against people from other countries.
- The campaign aims to reduce prejudice towards immigrants in the community.
- Her prejudice against modern art made her dislike the exhibition.
- Despite the evidence, his deep-seated prejudice prevented him from changing his opinion.
- The lawyer filed the document 'without prejudice' to allow for further negotiation.
- The historical narrative was analysed through the lens of colonial prejudice and its enduring legacy.
- The study found that implicit prejudice can influence decision-making even among well-intentioned individuals.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PRE-JUDGE. Prejudice is to pre-judge someone before knowing the facts.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREJUDICE IS A BARRIER / A BLINDNESS / A DISEASE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'предрассудок' (superstition). 'Prejudice' сильнее и относится к unfair bias, а не просто к устаревшему мнению. Также не переводится как 'ущерб' вне юридического контекста.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'prejudice' as a verb without an object (incorrect: 'He prejudices.' Correct: 'He prejudices the outcome.' or 'He is prejudiced.'). Confusing 'prejudice' (negative) with 'preference' (neutral/positive).
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what does the phrase 'without prejudice' primarily intend to do?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern usage, 'prejudice' inherently carries a negative meaning, implying an unfair and unreasonable judgment. A positive bias is usually called a 'preference' or 'favouritism'.
'Prejudice' refers to the biased attitude or belief held internally. 'Discrimination' refers to the unfair actions or behaviours that result from that prejudice.
Yes, but less commonly. As a verb, it means 'to cause someone to have a prejudice' or, in legal contexts, 'to harm or weaken a legal right or position' (e.g., 'The evidence prejudiced his case').
It is a legal term meaning that the contents of the communication (often a settlement offer) cannot be used as evidence in court if negotiations fail, thus encouraging open discussion.
Collections
Part of a collection
Cultural Topics
B2 · 47 words · Analyzing culture, society and identity.