Bias
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definitions
- As a noun: A tendency to favor or lean toward one particular person, group, or thing, often in an unfair or unjust manner.
- As a verb: To show or exhibit bias toward something or someone.
- In statistics: A systematic deviation from the true value or fairness in data collection or analysis.
Usage Examples
- "The judge was accused of showing bias in favor of the defendant."
- "Her bias toward classical music was evident in every conversation."
- "The data showed a clear bias towards larger companies in the sample."
Etymology
The word "bias" comes from the Middle French "biais" (a slant or oblique line), which derives from the Old French "biais" (a slanting direction). Its use in describing a mental tendency or preference originated in the 17th century.
Synonyms
- Prejudice
- Partiality
- Favoritism
- Inclination
- Discrimination
Antonyms
- Impartiality
- Objectivity
- Fairness
- Neutrality
- Equity
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Spanish |
Sesgo |
/ˈsesɣo/ |
French |
Biais |
/bjɛ/ |
German |
Voreingenommenheit |
/foːʁˈaɪnɡəˌmɔnənˌhaɪt/ |
Italian |
Pregiudizio |
/preˈdʒudittʃo/ |
Portuguese |
Viés |
/viˈɛʃ/ |
Hindi |
पक्षपाती |
/pakṣapātī/ |
Arabic |
تحيز |
/taḥayyuz/ |
Chinese |
偏见 |
/piānjiàn/ |
Russian |
Предвзятость |
/prʲɪdˈvʲzatəsʲtʲ/ |
Japanese |
偏見 |
/henken/ |
Swahili |
Upendeleo |
/upendeˈleo/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In some American English dialects, the word "bias" may be pronounced with a soft 's' as /ˈbaɪəs/ while other regions may emphasize a harder 's' sound.
- In British English, "bias" is often pronounced with a softer tone, though both pronunciations are generally accepted in different English-speaking regions.
Historical Usage
The word "bias" has been in use since the 16th century, initially referring to a slant or tilt. Over time, its meaning expanded to include a slant in judgment or perspective, particularly in relation to fairness and impartiality in decision-making and analysis.
Cultural Nuances
Bias plays a significant role in various aspects of culture, from media representation to political ideologies. Awareness of bias is critical in fields such as journalism, education, and psychology, where objectivity is crucial. In modern discourse, discussions around bias often focus on its social impact and the need for greater inclusivity and fairness.
More Information
Bias, both implicit and explicit, can be seen in everyday life, influencing actions, perceptions, and attitudes. In psychological research, understanding bias is crucial for ensuring that data and conclusions are valid and unbiased. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on addressing and mitigating bias in various social structures to promote fairness and equality.