bias
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbaɪ.əs/US/ˈbaɪ.əs/
A tendency, inclination, or prejudice for or against something or someone, often in a way considered to be unfair or influencing judgment. It can be conscious or unconscious and affects decision-making or perception.
Example Sentences
The study revealed a clear bias in the hiring process, favoring candidates from certain universities.
Media outlets sometimes exhibit bias by only reporting stories that align with their editorial stance.
He tried to identify any bias in his research methods to ensure more accurate results.
Personal bias can develop unconsciously based on cultural background, social environment, or individual experiences.
Organizations work to reduce hiring bias through structured interviews and diverse recruitment panels.
Judges are required to excuse themselves from cases if there is a potential bias affecting their impartiality.
Researchers must disclose any conflicts of interest to avoid the appearance of bias, safeguarding the credibility of their studies and findings.
Acknowledging one’s bias is the first step toward more objective thinking, enabling fairer judgment and better decision-making in diverse social and professional contexts.
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verb (transitive)
UK/ˈbaɪ.əs/US/ˈbaɪ.əs/
To cause or influence someone or something to have a certain inclination or prejudice; to skew judgment or outcome in a particular direction, often unfairly.
Example Sentences
Poorly designed survey questions can bias respondents’ answers, undermining the reliability of the results.
He worried that his close friendship with one candidate might bias his evaluation of the entire applicant pool.
The editor’s personal views seemed to bias the selection of which articles were featured in the magazine.
A manager must ensure not to let personal opinions bias their decisions about promotions and salaries.
The local newspaper was accused of trying to bias public opinion by publishing only favorable stories about the proposed shopping center.
Unconscious stereotypes can bias one’s perception, leading to unfair treatment of others or distorted judgments in everyday situations.
Her negative experiences with a previous supplier began to bias her views toward new vendors, making negotiation difficult.
Leaders in any organization should strive not to bias discussions, especially during brainstorming sessions, so that every idea is valued objectively.
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How to Use
A prejudice or inclination that unfairly influences decisions or perceptions.Bias appears in nearly every aspect of human life, often shaping decisions, behaviors, and judgments without conscious awareness. In personal interactions, bias might manifest as favoritism toward certain groups or prejudices against others, thus hampering objective thinking. Businesses and organizations also face biases—whether in hiring practices, customer interactions, or product designs—leading to unintended consequences or reinforcing social inequalities.Addressing bias first requires identification and acknowledgment. For individuals, self-reflection helps uncover personal biases, whether they concern race, gender, age, or other categories. Techniques such as taking implicit association tests, seeking diverse perspectives, and engaging in critical self-evaluation can help mitigate unconscious prejudices. In professional settings, training programs and structured decision-making processes—like standardized interview methods or bias-awareness workshops—can reduce the likelihood of partial judgments.It’s also important to differentiate between harmless preferences (like a fondness for certain music genres) and harmful biases that negatively affect equity and fairness. While some biases might seem negligible in casual contexts—perhaps preferring one brand of coffee over another—others can perpetuate stereotypes or discrimination, causing real-world harm. Therefore, recognizing the impact and scope of each bias helps determine when active intervention is necessary. By learning to identify, address, and reduce bias, individuals and organizations can foster greater fairness, empathy, and inclusivity in everyday life.
Alternatives
When discussing alternatives to the term “bias,” it’s helpful to look at related concepts like “prejudice,” “partiality,” or “subjectivity.” Although these words share some common ground, each has a slightly different emphasis. “Prejudice” often indicates a preconceived notion or hostile attitude toward a particular group, usually without valid reasoning or direct experience. “Partiality” highlights a preference for one option over another, which can sometimes be benign but can also slip into unfair treatment. Meanwhile, “subjectivity” frames personal perspective or opinion as inherently non-objective, acknowledging that any judgment is colored by individual experience.In contexts where a more neutral or less emotionally charged term is desired, you might opt for phrases like “cognitive inclination” or “perceptual tilt.” If the issue is subtle or rooted in mental shortcuts, words like “heuristic” or “leaning” can be used to describe less overt biases. On the other hand, if the bias is overt, powerful, or systematic, “institutional prejudice” or “systemic discrimination” may offer a clearer lens on structural issues.Ultimately, which term you use depends on context and degree. If the goal is to emphasize unfairness, “prejudice” or “discrimination” might be more appropriate. If you’re aiming for a milder description, “subjectivity” or “inclination” could suffice. Being mindful of these alternatives can deepen discussions about bias by recognizing its multifaceted nature.
Writing
When writing about bias, clarity and context are crucial. Begin by defining the type of bias under discussion—whether it’s racial, gender, political, or another form—so readers understand the specific angle you’re addressing. Using clear, relatable examples helps illustrate how bias shapes everyday situations, from media portrayals to workplace decisions.If your writing aims to persuade, offering evidence and balanced viewpoints can make your argument more compelling. For instance, citing scientific studies or referencing reputable sources that quantify bias can strengthen your case. In academic or professional documents, a neutral and concise tone is often more effective than an accusatory one. Highlight real-world impacts—such as financial loss, emotional distress, or social inequality—to show why tackling bias matters.Throughout your text, avoid jargon that might alienate readers who are less familiar with the subject. Instead, use plain language and, if necessary, add brief explanations of technical terms. By weaving in clear definitions and practical examples, your writing can engage a broader audience and encourage them to reflect on their own perspectives or biases.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversations, bias can come across as a heavy or academic term, but it’s incredibly common in real life. Think about everyday situations like preferring one sports team over another or leaning toward certain brands just because friends recommended them. These smaller preferences might not cause harm, but they demonstrate how bias can shape even casual choices.When chatting with friends, a simple way to address bias is to share personal observations. For instance, if you notice you’re consistently drawn to movies from a particular director while ignoring others, you might be missing out on new styles or storytelling methods. Pointing this out lightheartedly can spark fun conversations without feeling confrontational.If someone makes a sweeping statement—say, “All of those kinds of people act this way”—you can nudge the discussion toward openness by gently asking them to consider examples that break that pattern. In this way, you keep things friendly while encouraging a moment of self-reflection. Recognizing personal biases isn’t about shame or guilt; it’s about becoming more aware so you can expand your perspective. It’s a casual step toward fairness and open-mindedness, whether you’re discussing hobbies, travel destinations, or the latest tech gadgets.
Etymology
The word “bias” entered English in the mid-16th century from the Old French term “biais,” which initially referred to an oblique line or a slant. In medieval French, this notion of a diagonal or angled line morphed into a metaphorical meaning: having an inclination or leaning in one direction. Over time, English speakers embraced this figurative sense, using “bias” to describe someone’s predisposition.In earlier centuries, “bias” also had a specialized meaning in sports, particularly in lawn bowling, where a weighted ball was designed to deviate to one side. This sporting usage served as a vivid illustration of something that naturally veered off the expected path, eventually strengthening the general concept of bias as a slant that influences the outcome.Today, the term is most often associated with prejudices, whether in personal relationships, social structures, or workplaces. Its journey from describing physical angles to intangible inclinations reflects how language adapts to capture the ways human perspectives can become skewed. By understanding the word’s origins, we see how something as simple as a slant can expand into a broad, deeply significant concept.