prejudite
A prejudiced person has an unfair opinion about someone before they even meet them.
Explanation at your level:
Being prejudiced means you have a bad idea about someone before you meet them. It is not nice. We should try to be open and kind to everyone we meet.
If you are prejudiced, you decide things about people without knowing them. For example, thinking someone is not good at sports just because they are tall. It is better to wait and see!
The word prejudiced describes someone who has fixed, usually negative, opinions about a group of people. It prevents us from being fair. When we are prejudiced, we are not looking at the facts, just our own past ideas.
When we describe someone as prejudiced, we are highlighting their bias. It is an important term in social studies and psychology. It suggests that the person is not being objective and is allowing stereotypes to dictate their behavior toward others.
Prejudiced implies a deep-seated, often irrational, aversion or bias. It is frequently used in academic discourse to analyze systemic inequalities. To be prejudiced is to operate within a framework of preconceived notions that insulate the individual from the reality of diverse perspectives.
Etymologically rooted in the concept of 'pre-judgment,' prejudiced reflects the human tendency to categorize the world to save cognitive energy. However, when this categorization hardens into prejudice, it manifests as a moral failing that hinders social cohesion. It is a nuanced term used to critique both individual attitudes and broader cultural paradigms.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Prejudiced means having an unfair opinion before knowing facts.
- It is an adjective, not a verb.
- Often used with 'against'.
- It is a serious word regarding social fairness.
Hey there! Let's talk about the word prejudiced. When someone is prejudiced, they have already made up their mind about a person or a situation before they have all the facts. It is like having a mental filter that colors your view of the world in an unfair way.
Think of it as pre-judging. You are deciding what someone is like based on things like their group, their background, or just a guess, instead of getting to know them as an individual. It is a very important word because it describes a behavior we try to avoid to be fair and kind to everyone.
Being prejudiced often comes from social conditioning or past experiences that weren't even related to the person standing in front of you. It is a barrier to true understanding and friendship!
The word prejudiced comes from the Latin word praejudicium. If you break that down, prae means 'before' and judicium means 'judgment.' So, literally, it means 'a judgment made before' the evidence is in.
It entered Middle English through Old French in the 14th century. Originally, it was used in legal contexts to describe a 'precedent' or a previous decision that could harm a current case. Over time, it shifted from a legal term to a way to describe human attitudes.
It is fascinating how words evolve, right? What started as a dry legal term became a powerful word used to describe how we treat each other. It shows how language reflects our growing awareness of human rights and social fairness over the centuries.
You will often hear this word used in phrases like 'prejudiced against' someone or something. It is a serious word, so we usually use it when discussing social issues, politics, or deep-seated personal beliefs.
In formal writing, you might see it in essays about sociology or history. In casual conversation, it is used to call out unfair behavior. For example, you might say, 'He is prejudiced against people who like pineapple on pizza,' though that is a bit of a silly, lighthearted use of a very heavy word!
Remember that prejudiced is an adjective. You can be 'a prejudiced person' or 'a prejudiced view.' It is helpful to be careful with this word because it carries a strong negative charge; calling someone prejudiced is a significant accusation.
While there aren't many idioms that use the word 'prejudiced' directly, there are many that describe the same feeling:
- 'Don't judge a book by its cover': This is the classic advice to avoid being prejudiced.
- 'To have a chip on one's shoulder': Often leads to acting in a prejudiced way due to past bitterness.
- 'To see through rose-colored glasses': A different kind of bias where everything looks perfect.
- 'To have a blind spot': When you are prejudiced, you have a blind spot for the truth.
- 'To play favorites': A form of bias that is closely related to being prejudiced.
The word is pronounced /ˈpredʒ.ə.dɪst/. The stress is on the first syllable: PRED-ju-dist. It rhymes with words like 'merit' (if you stretch it) or 'credited,' though it is quite unique in its sound.
Grammatically, it functions as an adjective. You can use it before a noun ('a prejudiced opinion') or after a linking verb ('He seems prejudiced'). It is not a verb, so don't say 'I prejudiced him'—that would be 'I prejudiced him' (past tense of the verb 'prejudice').
Keep in mind that it is a gradable adjective. You can be 'very prejudiced' or 'slightly prejudiced.' It is a common word in news media and academic discussions, so getting the pronunciation right will make you sound very articulate!
Fun Fact
It was originally a legal term for a precedent.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'prej' sound
Similar to UK, clear 'dɪst' ending
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'd' too hard
- Missing the 'ə' sound
- Swapping the 'j' for a 'g'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Needs care with context
Needs care with tone
Clear sound
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective usage
He is prejudiced.
Preposition usage
Prejudiced against.
Linking verbs
Seems prejudiced.
Examples by Level
It is not good to be prejudiced.
Prejudiced = unfair
Adjective usage
Be kind, not prejudiced.
Kind vs unfair
Imperative
She is not prejudiced.
She is fair
Subject + verb
Don't be prejudiced.
Do not judge
Negative imperative
I want to be fair, not prejudiced.
Fair vs biased
Contrastive
Is he prejudiced?
Is he biased?
Question form
We are not prejudiced people.
We are open-minded
Plural noun
It is wrong to be prejudiced.
It is bad
Infinitive
They had a prejudiced view of the city.
He felt the teacher was prejudiced against him.
It is hard to change a prejudiced mind.
She tried to overcome her prejudiced thoughts.
The survey showed a prejudiced result.
Don't let a prejudiced comment hurt you.
They were accused of being prejudiced.
He realized he was being prejudiced.
The committee was criticized for being prejudiced in their selection process.
It is important to recognize when our own views might be prejudiced.
The article was clearly prejudiced against the new policy.
She felt the hiring manager was prejudiced based on her age.
His upbringing made him prejudiced toward certain traditions.
The study examines how prejudiced attitudes form in childhood.
They fought against the prejudiced laws of the time.
It is difficult to have a conversation with someone who is so prejudiced.
The media's coverage was accused of being inherently prejudiced.
He was surprised to find his own subconscious was slightly prejudiced.
The judge ensured the trial remained free from prejudiced influence.
Systemic issues often stem from deeply ingrained, prejudiced beliefs.
She wrote a thesis on the origins of prejudiced behavior in sports.
The debate was unproductive because both sides were prejudiced.
We must challenge prejudiced stereotypes wherever we find them.
His prejudiced remarks caused a significant stir in the office.
The sociological study explores the mechanisms by which prejudiced ideologies are perpetuated.
One must distinguish between a preference and a truly prejudiced stance.
The author argues that the protagonist's prejudiced worldview is a defense mechanism.
Such prejudiced rhetoric has no place in a civil society.
The institution was overhauled to remove any prejudiced barriers to entry.
His prejudiced interpretation of the data led to flawed conclusions.
We are often unaware of the prejudiced biases that inform our daily decisions.
The film provides a harrowing look at how prejudiced communities can become.
The historical analysis elucidates how prejudiced narratives were weaponized during the conflict.
To dismantle a prejudiced structure, one must first acknowledge its existence.
The intellectual climate of the era was undeniably prejudiced.
Her critique was subtle, yet it exposed the prejudiced underpinnings of the policy.
He sought to deconstruct the prejudiced assumptions that had long governed the department.
The essay examines the intersection of prejudice and power in colonial societies.
It is a profound challenge to remain objective when one's environment is inherently prejudiced.
The legacy of the movement is marred by the prejudiced attitudes of its founders.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"have a closed mind"
unwilling to accept new ideas
He has a closed mind about modern art.
neutral"jump to conclusions"
decide without facts
Don't jump to conclusions about her.
neutral"see things through a lens"
view through a bias
He sees everything through a lens of suspicion.
literary"have an axe to grind"
have a hidden agenda
She has an axe to grind with the boss.
casual"cast aspersions"
make critical remarks
He cast aspersions on her character.
formal"take a dim view"
disapprove of something
The teacher takes a dim view of cheating.
neutralEasily Confused
Looks similar
Prejudicial means causing harm/damage.
His actions were prejudicial to the case.
Similar meaning
Biased is a preference; prejudiced is a stronger, unfair judgment.
He is biased toward his team.
Similar context
Judgmental is about the act of criticizing.
Don't be so judgmental.
Similar context
Opinionated means having strong opinions, not necessarily unfair ones.
She is very opinionated.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + prejudiced + against + Object
He is prejudiced against new ideas.
It + is + prejudiced + to + Verb
It is prejudiced to judge him.
A + prejudiced + Noun
A prejudiced mind is closed.
Seem + prejudiced
They seem prejudiced.
Remain + prejudiced
He remained prejudiced despite the evidence.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Prejudiced is an adjective; prejudice is the verb.
Prejudice is the feeling; prejudiced is the description.
The correct preposition is 'against'.
Prejudiced implies unfairness, not just liking one thing more.
It contains the 'ed' suffix.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a judge with a 'pre' (before) sign.
Native Usage
Use it to describe opinions, not objects.
Cultural Insight
It is a key word in civil rights discussions.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'against' when comparing groups.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'PRED' stress.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it as a verb.
Did You Know?
Jane Austen's book made the word famous.
Study Smart
Use it in a journal entry about your own biases.
Rhyme Time
Rhyme with 'merited' to get the beat.
Context Tip
Use it in formal debates to sound sophisticated.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
PRE (before) + JUDGE (decide) + ED (past).
Visual Association
A judge wearing a blindfold, deciding before listening.
Word Web
Challenge
Write a sentence using the word in a positive context, like 'I am trying not to be prejudiced'.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: A judgment made before
Cultural Context
Highly sensitive; calling someone prejudiced is a serious social label.
Used often in discussions of human rights and social justice.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
School/Work
- avoid prejudiced behavior
- prejudiced hiring
- prejudiced comments
Social Issues
- fighting prejudiced attitudes
- prejudiced systems
- overcoming prejudice
Debates
- a prejudiced view
- the argument is prejudiced
- prejudiced logic
Personal Growth
- I was being prejudiced
- challenging my prejudiced thoughts
- learning to be less prejudiced
Conversation Starters
"How can we help people stop being prejudiced?"
"Have you ever felt someone was prejudiced against you?"
"Is it possible to be completely free of prejudice?"
"Why do you think people become prejudiced?"
"How does reading books like 'Pride and Prejudice' help?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you realized you had a prejudiced thought.
How do you define a fair person?
Describe a character who overcomes their prejudiced views.
What is the difference between a preference and a prejudice?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt describes a bad behavior, so it is used in serious contexts.
Yes, it is called self-bias or internal prejudice.
Bias is a preference; prejudice is an unfair judgment.
No, it can be about anything (age, food, sports).
Learn about others and question your own thoughts.
No, it is an adjective.
Yes, that uses the noun form.
Very similar, yes.
Test Yourself
It is not good to be ___.
Prejudiced describes an unfair feeling.
Which means to have an unfair opinion?
Prejudiced means having an unfair opinion.
Prejudiced is a verb.
It is an adjective.
Word
Meaning
Synonyms and antonyms.
He is not prejudiced.
He was ___ against the new rules.
Need an adjective here.
Which word is an antonym?
Impartial means fair.
Prejudiced can be used to describe a law.
Laws can be prejudiced/biased.
The ___ nature of the report was criticized.
Adjective modifying nature.
To be prejudiced is wrong.
Score: /10
Summary
Being prejudiced means judging before you know the truth, so always keep an open mind!
- Prejudiced means having an unfair opinion before knowing facts.
- It is an adjective, not a verb.
- Often used with 'against'.
- It is a serious word regarding social fairness.
Memory Palace
Imagine a judge with a 'pre' (before) sign.
Native Usage
Use it to describe opinions, not objects.
Cultural Insight
It is a key word in civil rights discussions.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'against' when comparing groups.
Example
His prejudite views on modern music made him refuse to listen to the new album.
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