prejudice - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
prejudice Word Meanings
- a preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience
- harm or injury that results from some action or judgment
- to cause harm or bias against someone or something
prejudice Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
prejudice Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈprɛdʒʊdɪs/
US
/ˈprɛdʒədɪs/
prejudice Word Etymology
The word 'prejudice' comes from the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the root 'judice' from Latin 'judicium' meaning 'judgment.' It entered English via Old French. Picture a judge making a decision about someone without knowing their story, leading to unfair treatment.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push the door and watch it swing, the cool air brushing my skin. I shift my weight, keep my gaze open, and hold back a snap judgment as a new person enters. I turn toward them, adjust my posture a notch, and let the moment stretch a little longer. In that pause, prejudice slips in quietly, and I choose to see the person rather than the stereotype.
Real Context
Prejudice is a noun describing a preconceived opinion about someone or something that is not based on reason or experience. It can also function as a verb in older texts, though most speakers prefer to say that someone is biased or prejudged rather than using prejudice as a verb. Prejudice often shows up as stereotypes that lead to unfair treatment, discrimination, or harm, even before you know the person or their facts. The word is built from pre and judicium, meaning judgment, via Latin and Old French. Learning to recognize prejudice means distinguishing it from fair critique and avoiding sweeping judgments about a person or group.
Usage Reminders
- Use prejudice to describe a preconceived opinion not based on evidence; do not use as a synonym for dislike.
- Commonly with prejudice against someone or a group.
- Distinguish prejudice from bias or prejudiced.
- Avoid judging a person by their group; seek individual facts.
- Address prejudice by seeking information and challenging stereotypes.
Common Misconceptions
- Prejudice and discrimination are the same thing; they are related but distinct concepts.
- All prejudice is conscious and intentional; many biases are unconscious or implicit.
- Prejudice only harms other people; it cannot harm the person who holds it.
- A person cannot be prejudiced unless they know they are being biased.
- Prejudice always has a negative outcome; some people believe it can be positive, which is misleading.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, prejudice is often seen as a bias that clouds judgment; the challenge is to separate a stereotype from an individual fact and to recognize the noun versus rare verb forms.
Learning Tips
- memorize common collocations with prejudice
- Practice with examples using prejudice against and prejudice toward
- Differentiate prejudice from biased and prejudiced
- Read about social issues to see how prejudice operates in real life
- Analyze media portrayals for biased language and stereotypes
- Discuss with a partner to spot subtle biases in arguments
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'prejudice' mean?
A.Jump
B.Happy
C.Bias
D.Speak
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'prejudice' correctly?
A.I love to eat pizza.
B.She has a prejudice against people from different countries.
C.The cat is sleeping.
D.He quickly ran to catch the bus.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'prejudice'?
A.Fairness
B.Hatred
C.Discrimination
D.Open-mindedness
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what scenario might you encounter 'prejudice'?
A.Medical diagnosis
B.Traffic violation
C.Hiring discrimination
D.Job interview
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a time when you witnessed 'prejudice' in your life?
A.Reflect on the question
B.Share experiences with others
C.Learn from past experiences
D.Challenge stereotypes
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