English · Culture & Society
prejudice
/ˈpredʒ.ə.dɪs/
[/ˈpredʒ.ə.dɪs/]
unfair preformed opinion
Intermediatenoun
Definition
An unfair opinion or feeling formed about someone or something without enough knowledge. It often leads to unjust treatment of certain groups.
Example
He overcame his prejudice once he actually got to know his new neighbors well.
He overcame his prejudice once he actually got to know his new neighbors well.
Etymology
From Latin 'praejudicium' (a previous judgment), from 'prae-' (before) and 'judicium' (judgment).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in social, legal, and everyday discussion of bias.
Literary Heritage
Jane Austen's novel 'Pride and Prejudice' (1813) made the word famous in English literature.